Grand Forks, North Dakota: natural disaster risk
How exposed Grand Forks is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Grand Forks County.
Grand Forks is a city of 59,042 people in Grand Forks County, North Dakota. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Grand Forks County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $25 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 976 storm reports in the county since 1952, including 92 tornadoes and 71 floods. About 1.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Grand Forks County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Grand Forks
Full Grand Forks 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $12M | |
| Cold wave | $3M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $255K | |
| Lightning | $172K | |
| Wildfire | $81K | |
| Drought | $18K | |
| Earthquake | $17K |
Homes in Grand Forks
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 Grand Forks County
Common questions about Grand Forks
Is Grand Forks safe from natural disasters?
Grand Forks is in Grand Forks County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Grand Forks?
By expected yearly losses in Grand Forks County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), cold wave (Moderate), tornado (Low). Grand Forks County has been part of 36 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Grand Forks get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 92 tornadoes in Grand Forks County since 1950; the strongest was an EF4 tornado on August 26, 2007 near Northwood. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Grand Forks?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Grand Forks County, about 1.6% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.