Williston, North Dakota: natural disaster risk
How exposed Williston is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Williams County.
Williston is a city of 28,056 people in Williams County, North Dakota. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Williams 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 $24.9 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 454 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 25 tornadoes and 10 floods. About 0.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Williams County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Williston
Full Williams 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 | $11M | |
| Inland flooding | $8M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $929K | |
| Hail | $893K | |
| Strong wind | $600K | |
| Wildfire | $447K | |
| Lightning | $234K | |
| Heat wave | $94K | |
| Drought | $93K | |
| Earthquake | $33K |
Homes in Williston
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 Williams County
Other cities in North Dakota
All ›Common questions about Williston
Is Williston safe from natural disasters?
Williston is in Williams 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 Williston?
By expected yearly losses in Williams County, the top hazards are cold wave (High), inland flooding (Low), tornado (Low). Williams County has been part of 18 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Williston get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 25 tornadoes in Williams County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on July 11, 1974. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Williston?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Williams County, about 0.2% 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.