Moderate Risk Iowa  ·  Tornado / Missouri River Flooding

Woodbury County IA

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

6/ 10
Threat Score
Population
103
Area
873
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Tornado / Missouri River Flooding
FEMA Disasters
8
federally declared

Woodbury County anchored by Sioux City on the Missouri River at the Iowa-Nebraska-South Dakota tri-state border faces serious tornado and Missouri River flooding risk. The 2019 historic Missouri River flooding caused extensive damage across the county. The county faces extreme blizzard risk from Great Plains winter storms. Sioux City serves as a regional hub for the tri-state area emergency coordination and hosts major food processing industries.

// 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 High
Federally Declared Disasters 8
Last Major Event 2019 Missouri River Flooding
Event Frequency Annual

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (712) 279-6207
Emergency Shelters 6 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-29 US-20 IA-140 IA-175

// County Profile

County Woodbury County IA
State Iowa (IA)
Population 103
Area 873 sq miles
FEMA Region High

// Major Cities

Sioux City IA

// Cities in This County

// Other Iowa Counties