Moderate Risk North Dakota  ·  Flooding / Tornado

Fargo ND

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  NORTH DAKOTA

6 / 10
Threat Score
Population
125,990
Elevation
902
feet above sea level
Primary Hazard
Flooding / Tornado
County FEMA Disasters
30
federally declared

Fargo sits on the Red River of the North — one of the most flood-prone rivers in the United States. The river flows northward creating a unique vulnerability where spring flooding begins in the south before the northern portions thaw creating ice jams that amplify flooding. The 2009 and 2019 floods both set records threatening to overwhelm Fargo's flood protection system. The city has invested heavily in permanent flood protection infrastructure since 2009.

// 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 Score6 / 10   Moderate
Primary HazardFlooding / Tornado
FEMA Flood ZoneZone AE (High Risk)
County FEMA Declarations30
Last Major EventRed River Flood (2019)

// Emergency Information

Emergency Phone (701) 241-1411
Evacuation RoutesI-29 North, I-29 South, I-94 East, US-10 West
Elevation902 ft above sea level

// County Risk Profile

Cass County ND
North Dakota · Tornado / Flooding
View full county emergency preparedness profile →
6/10
Moderate Risk

// Other Cities in Cass County ND

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

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

🌊
Red River Valley Levee System ND/MN
Major Dam  ·  Fargo, ND  ·  US Army Corps of Engineers  ·  10-mi risk zone
8/10 High
🌊
Fargo Moorhead Diversion Project ND
Major Dam  ·  Fargo, ND  ·  Metro Flood Diversion Authority  ·  10-mi risk zone
8/10 High
🌊
Garrison Dam ND
Major Dam  ·  Riverdale  ·  US Army Corps of Engineers  ·  100-mi risk zone
7/10 High
🏥
Sanford Medical Center Fargo ND
Major Hospital  ·  Fargo, ND  ·  Sanford Health  ·  25-mi risk zone
6/10 Moderate

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