Aberdeen, South Dakota: natural disaster risk
How exposed Aberdeen is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Brown County.
Aberdeen is a city of 28,189 people in Brown County, South Dakota. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Brown 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 $36.6 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,141 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 84 tornadoes and 165 floods. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Brown County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Aberdeen
Full Brown 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 | $16M | |
| Inland flooding | $11M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $534K | |
| Heat wave | $402K | |
| Wildfire | $353K | |
| Earthquake | $68K | |
| Drought | $31K | |
| Lightning | $27K |
Homes in Aberdeen
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 Brown County
Other cities in South Dakota
All ›Common questions about Aberdeen
Is Aberdeen safe from natural disasters?
Aberdeen is in Brown 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 Aberdeen?
By expected yearly losses in Brown County, the top hazards are cold wave (High), inland flooding (Low), tornado (Moderate). Brown County has been part of 17 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Aberdeen get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 84 tornadoes in Brown County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on June 23, 2002 near Barnard. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Aberdeen?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Brown County, about 0.7% 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.