High Risk Kansas  ·  Tornado / Flash Flooding

Riley County KS

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

7/ 10
Threat Score
Population
75
Area
613
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Tornado / Flash Flooding
FEMA Disasters
7
federally declared

Riley County is home to Manhattan Kansas State University and Fort Riley — home to the 1st Infantry Division Big Red One. The Kansas and Blue Rivers create serious flooding risk and have flooded Manhattan multiple times. Fort Riley adjacent to Manhattan is one of the largest Army installations in the US. The county sits in a high-frequency tornado zone and was struck by a significant tornado in June 2008.

// 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 7 / 10    High Risk
Primary Hazard Tornado / Flash Flooding
Secondary Hazard Military Proximity
FEMA Flood Zone Moderate
Federally Declared Disasters 7
Last Major Event 2008 Tornado
Event Frequency Annual

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (785) 537-2112
Emergency Shelters 6 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-70 US-24 KS-177 KS-113

// County Profile

County Riley County KS
State Kansas (KS)
Population 75
Area 613 sq miles
FEMA Region Moderate

// Major Cities

Manhattan KS

// Cities in This County

// Other Kansas Counties

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.

🌊
Tuttle Creek Dam KS
Major Dam  ·  Manhattan, KS  ·  US Army Corps of Engineers  ·  30-mi risk zone
9/10 Critical
🏥
National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility NBAF KS
Major Hospital  ·  Manhattan, KS  ·  US Department of Homeland Security / USDA  ·  10-mi risk zone
9/10 Critical
Fort Riley KS
Military Installation  ·  Junction City, KS  ·  US Army  ·  25-mi risk zone
7/10 High
🏟
Bill Snyder Family Stadium Manhattan KS
Stadium / Arena  ·  Manhattan, KS  ·  Kansas State Wildcats / NCAA  ·  2-mi risk zone
6/10 Moderate

Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.