Moderate Risk Iowa  ·  Tornado / Missouri River Flooding

O’Brien County IA

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

6/ 10
Threat Score
Population
14
Area
573
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Tornado / Missouri River Flooding
FEMA Disasters
7
federally declared

O'Brien County IA in Iowa faces tornado / missouri river flooding risk across its 573 square mile area. Primghar serves this northwest Iowa county near the Little Sioux River. O'Brien serves as the county seat and regional emergency coordination hub.

// Preparedness Recommendations

  • Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
  • Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
  • Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
  • Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.

// Recommended Supplies

Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 6 / 10    Moderate Risk
Primary Hazard Tornado / Missouri River Flooding
Secondary Hazard Blizzard
FEMA Flood Zone Moderate
Federally Declared Disasters 7
Last Major Event 2019 Tornado
Event Frequency Annual

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (712) 737-2216
Emergency Shelters 3 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes State and US highways

// County Profile

County O’Brien County IA
State Iowa (IA)
Population 14
Area 573 sq miles
FEMA Region Moderate

// Other Iowa Counties