Mower County Disaster Risk
Mower County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
67th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#19
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
75th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Mower County, Minnesota
Mower's risk exceeds national average
Mower County's composite risk score of 67.27 places it in the "Relatively Low" rating category but well above the national average. The county's tornado risk of 81.17 is its defining hazard, making severe spring and summer storms a primary concern.
Above-average risk for Minnesota
At 67.27, Mower County's composite risk significantly exceeds Minnesota's statewide average of 42.38. The county ranks among the higher-risk tier statewide, driven primarily by tornado exposure.
Higher tornado exposure than neighbors
Mower County faces notably elevated tornado risk (81.17) compared to neighboring Dodge and Freeborn counties. Its flood risk of 74.97 also exceeds the regional average, though wildfire risk remains minimal at 18.83.
Tornadoes are the paramount threat
Tornado risk dominates Mower County at 81.17, substantially higher than the state average and among the top hazards statewide. Flooding presents secondary risk at 74.97, while earthquake and wildfire risks remain low.
Storm shelter and flood insurance essential
Mower County residents should prioritize a designated safe room or storm shelter for tornado season and maintain comprehensive flood insurance. Review your homeowners policy to ensure coverage includes wind damage from severe thunderstorms and hail.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Mower County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Mower County
Risk Verdict
Mower County ranks at the 67th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Mower County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 75th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (19th percentile), earthquake (18th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Mower County ranks at the 81th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Mower County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. The secondary flood hazard at the 75th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Mower County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Mower County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
Compared to other Minnesota counties, Mower County runs 24.9 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Mower County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Mower County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Mower County?
How does Mower County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Mower County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Mower County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.