Minot, North Dakota: natural disaster risk
How exposed Minot is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Ward County.
Minot is a city of 47,791 people in Ward County, North Dakota. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Ward County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are cold wave, inland flooding and tornado, with about $36.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 580 storm reports in the county since 1954, including 57 tornadoes and 25 floods. About 4.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Ward County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Minot
Full Ward County report ›- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Cold wave | $18M | |
| Inland flooding | $8M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Winter weather | $3M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $944K | |
| Wildfire | $578K | |
| Heat wave | $202K | |
| Drought | $53K | |
| Lightning | $32K | |
| Earthquake | $19K |
Homes in Minot
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 Ward County
Other cities in North Dakota
All ›Common questions about Minot
Is Minot safe from natural disasters?
Minot is in Ward County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are cold wave, inland flooding, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Minot?
By expected yearly losses in Ward County, the top hazards are cold wave (High), inland flooding (Low), tornado (Moderate). Ward County has been part of 26 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Minot get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 57 tornadoes in Ward County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on August 12, 2010 near Niobe. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Minot?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Ward County, about 4.5% 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.