Dakota County south of St. Paul is one of the fastest growing counties in Minnesota and part of the Twin Cities southern suburban ring. The Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers create flooding risk along the county's western and northern edges. The county faces moderate tornado risk and has experienced tornado events. Eagan Apple Valley and Burnsville are major commercial and residential communities that have grown dramatically. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport approach paths cross the county.
// 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.
- Emergency Food Supplies
- Water Filtration & Storage
- Backup Generator
- Solar Backup Power
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// Risk Intelligence
| Threat Score | 5 / 10 Moderate Risk |
| Primary Hazard | Tornado / Flash Flooding |
| Secondary Hazard | Severe Storm |
| FEMA Flood Zone | Moderate |
| Federally Declared Disasters | 5 |
| Last Major Event | 2021 Tornado |
| Event Frequency | Annual |
// Emergency Operations
| Emergency Mgmt Phone | (651) 675-5500 |
| Emergency Shelters | 14 designated facilities |
| Evacuation Routes | I-35E I-35W US-52 MN-3 |
// County Profile
| County | Dakota County MN |
| State | Minnesota (MN) |
| Population | 438 |
| Area | 587 sq miles |
| FEMA Region | Moderate |
// Major Cities
// Cities in This County
// Other Minnesota Counties
// Nearby Infrastructure Risks
Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.
Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.