Watonwan County, Minnesota Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MN
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 24th
Watonwan County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 23.9, 24th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $8M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Watonwan County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 23.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 24th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $171K in expected annual loss and about 22.00 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $693K in expected annual loss and about 12.87 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 11.21 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $8M in expected annual loss for a population of 11K.
Beyond physical exposure, Watonwan County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
The federal record bears this out: Watonwan County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 6 for flood events and 3 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding (flood), declared in June 2024.
Among 87 Minnesota counties, Watonwan County ranks #62 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Winter Weather | Medium | 22.00 / yr | $171K |
| Drought | Medium | 12.87 / yr | $693K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 11.21 / yr | $2M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 3.44 / yr | $634K |
| Hail | Low | 4.31 / yr | $314K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.34 / yr | $1M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 5.16 / yr | $242K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.58 / yr | $45K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.61 / yr | $3M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $137 |
| Lightning | Very Low | 37.56 / yr | $58K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $10K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $3K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Watonwan County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms and Flooding in June 2024. Most frequent causes: Flood (6), Severe Storm (3), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2024 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2019 | Flood | Severe Winter Storm, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| September 2018 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| July 2014 | Flood | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| October 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| January 1997 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| June 1993 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 13 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Watonwan County?
Watonwan County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 23.9 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 24th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Watonwan County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (Medium, $171K EAL), Drought (Medium, $693K EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Watonwan County compare to other Minnesota counties?
Watonwan County ranks #62 of 87 Minnesota counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Watonwan County had?
FEMA records 13 federal disaster declarations for Watonwan County since 1965, most often 6 for flood events and 3 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding, declared in June 2024.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Watonwan County's $8M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.