Fargo, North Dakota: natural disaster risk
How exposed Fargo is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Cass County.
Fargo is a city of 131,627 people in Cass County, North Dakota. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Cass County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and cold wave, with about $81.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,111 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 109 tornadoes and 74 floods. About 4.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Cass County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Fargo
Full Cass County report ›- 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.
- 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $34M | |
| Tornado | $12M | |
| Cold wave | $10M | |
| Strong wind | $10M | |
| Hail | $7M | |
| Winter weather | $4M | |
| Ice storm | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $868K | |
| Lightning | $640K | |
| Wildfire | $83K | |
| Earthquake | $69K | |
| Drought | $7K |
Homes in Fargo
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 Cass County
More cities in Cass County
Common questions about Fargo
Is Fargo safe from natural disasters?
Fargo is in Cass County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Fargo?
By expected yearly losses in Cass County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Moderate), cold wave (Moderate). Cass County has been part of 33 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Fargo get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 109 tornadoes in Cass County since 1950; the strongest was an F5 tornado on June 20, 1957. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Fargo?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Cass County, about 4.5% 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.