Moderate Risk North Dakota  ·  Tornado / Flooding

Cass County ND

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

6/ 10
Threat Score
Population
181,923
Area
1766
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Tornado / Flooding
FEMA Disasters
30
federally declared

Cass County and Fargo sit on the Red River of the North — one of the most flood-prone rivers in the United States. The river flows northward into Canada and is uniquely vulnerable to spring flooding when southern portions thaw first while northern areas remain frozen. The 2009 and 2019 floods both set records threatening to overwhelm Fargo's flood protection system. The county also sits in a tornado corridor.

// 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 / Flooding
Secondary Hazard Winter Storm
FEMA Flood Zone Zone AE (High Risk)
Federally Declared Disasters 30
Last Major Event Red River Flood (2019)
Event Frequency Major event every 4–5 years

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (701) 241-5700
Emergency Shelters 12 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-29 North, I-29 South, I-94 East, US-10 West

// County Profile

County Cass County ND
State North Dakota (ND)
Population 181,923
Area 1766 sq miles
FEMA Region Zone AE (High Risk)

// Major Cities

West Fargo ND Fargo ND

// Cities in This County

// Other North Dakota Counties

// 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
🏥
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.