Albert Lea, MN

Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data

Population: 18,159 · Part of Freeborn County

Albert Lea is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk — lower risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Freeborn County, MN. The county's highest-rated hazards are drought, strong wind, and tornado.

Storm events near Albert Lea

NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Albert Lea's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Albert Lea itself, not the whole county.

Tornado 39 events
Hail 70 events
Inland Flooding 49 events

County-wide hazard risk

Every other hazard FEMA and NOAA track — including drought — is only scored at the county level. These are Freeborn County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Albert Lea along with the rest of the county, not a Albert Lea-specific figure.

Hazard NRI score Rating
Wildfire 24.4 Very Low
Inland Flooding 49.1 Relatively Low
Coastal Flooding Not Applicable
Earthquake 15.6 Very Low
Heat Wave 25.9 Very Low
Tornado 79.6 Relatively Moderate
Avalanche Not Applicable
Cold Wave 63.8 Relatively Low
Drought 93.1 Relatively High
Hail 78.6 Relatively Moderate
Hurricane Not Applicable
Ice Storm 25.5 Very Low
Landslide 45.5 Very Low
Lightning 17.1 Very Low
Strong Wind 80.8 Relatively Moderate
Tsunami Not Applicable
Volcanic Activity Not Applicable
Winter Weather 78.8 Relatively Moderate

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Freeborn County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.

More on Freeborn County:

Frequently asked questions

What natural hazards is Albert Lea, MN at risk of?

Albert Lea is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — lower risk than most US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Freeborn County, where Albert Lea is located, are drought, strong wind, and tornado.

What is Albert Lea's biggest natural hazard risk?

Drought is the highest-rated hazard for Freeborn County, where Albert Lea is located, scoring 93.1 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").

Is Albert Lea a high-risk area for natural disasters?

No — Albert Lea carries lower risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Low" for Freeborn County.

Has Albert Lea had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?

NOAA has recorded 39 tornado, 70 hail, 49 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Albert Lea since 2016.