Low Risk North Dakota  ·  Tornado / Blizzard

McKenzie County ND

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

5/ 10
Threat Score
Population
14
Area
2,742
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Tornado / Blizzard
FEMA Disasters
6
federally declared

McKenzie County ND in North Dakota faces tornado / blizzard risk across its 2,742 square mile area. Watford City serves this northwest North Dakota county at the heart of the Bakken boom. McKenzie serves as the county seat and regional emergency coordination hub.

// Preparedness Recommendations

  • Identify an interior room or storm shelter.
  • Monitor NOAA weather alerts continuously.
  • Keep emergency kit accessible at all times.
  • Prepare for sudden power outages.

// Recommended Supplies

Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 5 / 10    Low Risk
Primary Hazard Tornado / Blizzard
Secondary Hazard Industrial Hazmat
FEMA Flood Zone Low
Federally Declared Disasters 6
Last Major Event 2019 Blizzard
Event Frequency Annual

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (701) 444-3452
Emergency Shelters 2 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes State and US highways

// County Profile

County McKenzie County ND
State North Dakota (ND)
Population 14
Area 2,742 sq miles
FEMA Region Low

// Major Cities

Watford City ND

// Cities in This County

// Other North Dakota Counties