Fergus Falls, MN

Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data

Population: 14,258 · Part of Otter Tail County

Fergus Falls is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk — lower risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Otter Tail County, MN. The county's highest-rated hazards are winter weather, cold wave, and strong wind.

Storm events near Fergus Falls

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

Tornado 19 events
Hail 76 events
Inland Flooding 10 events

County-wide hazard risk

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

Hazard NRI score Rating
Wildfire 79.3 Relatively Low
Inland Flooding 83.4 Relatively Moderate
Coastal Flooding Not Applicable
Earthquake 18.8 Very Low
Heat Wave 42.4 Relatively Low
Tornado 84.2 Relatively Moderate
Avalanche Not Applicable
Cold Wave 91.4 Relatively High
Drought 53.1 Relatively Low
Hail 81.4 Relatively Moderate
Hurricane Not Applicable
Ice Storm 39.7 Relatively Low
Landslide 82 Relatively Low
Lightning 49.1 Relatively Low
Strong Wind 86.7 Relatively High
Tsunami Not Applicable
Volcanic Activity Not Applicable
Winter Weather 97.5 Very High

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

More on Otter Tail County:

Frequently asked questions

What natural hazards is Fergus Falls, MN at risk of?

Fergus Falls 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 Otter Tail County, where Fergus Falls is located, are winter weather, cold wave, and strong wind.

What is Fergus Falls's biggest natural hazard risk?

Winter Weather is the highest-rated hazard for Otter Tail County, where Fergus Falls is located, scoring 97.5 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Very High").

Is Fergus Falls a high-risk area for natural disasters?

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

Has Fergus Falls had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?

NOAA has recorded 19 tornado, 76 hail, 10 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Fergus Falls since 2016.