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Woodbury, Minnesota: natural disaster risk

How exposed Woodbury is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Washington County.

Relatively Moderate overall risk
78,305people
Inland floodingtop hazard
15federal declarations, Washington County
27tornadoes in the county since 1950
Photo: U.S. Geological Survey, public domain

Woodbury is a city of 78,305 people in Washington County, Minnesota. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Washington County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and strong wind, with about $92.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 415 storm reports in the county since 1954, including 27 tornadoes and 8 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.

Risk figures are for Washington County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.

$41.5 million a year in the county
  • Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
  • Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
$19.5 million a year in the county
  • Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
  • Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.

Strong wind

Very High
$10.6 million a year in the county
  • Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
  • Have trees near the house checked.

All hazards

HazardRatingA year
Inland floodingModerate$41M
TornadoHigh$20M
Strong windVery High$11M
Cold waveModerate$10M
HailHigh$5M
Heat waveModerate$3M
LightningHigh$2M
Winter weatherModerate$319K
Ice stormModerate$310K
WildfireLow$202K
EarthquakeVery Low$24K
LandslideLow$13K

Homes in Woodbury

Median home value$450,200
Washington County median$422,000
Median year built1997
Built before 198014%
Mobile homes0.4%

Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.

Strongest tornadoes in Washington County

2008EF3 near Hugo2 killed
1958F36 hurt
1994F2 near Stillwater1 hurt

Common questions about Woodbury

Is Woodbury safe from natural disasters?

Woodbury is in Washington County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, strong wind. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.

What natural disasters happen in Woodbury?

By expected yearly losses in Washington County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), strong wind (Very High). Washington County has been part of 15 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.

Does Woodbury get tornadoes?

Yes. NOAA records list 27 tornadoes in Washington County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on May 25, 2008 near Hugo. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.

Do I need flood insurance in Woodbury?

Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Washington County, about 0.3% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.