Moderate Risk South Dakota  ·  Tornado / Severe Storm

Minnehaha County SD

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

6/ 10
Threat Score
Population
200,062
Area
813
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Tornado / Severe Storm
FEMA Disasters
28
federally declared

Minnehaha County and Sioux Falls in eastern South Dakota sit in an active tornado corridor. The June 2022 tornado caused significant damage across Sioux Falls suburban communities. The Big Sioux River creates flooding risk through the heart of the city. Sioux Falls is the economic hub of South Dakota and the Dakotas region making emergency infrastructure especially critical.

// 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 6 / 10    Moderate Risk
Primary Hazard Tornado / Severe Storm
Secondary Hazard Flash Flooding
FEMA Flood Zone Zone X (Moderate Risk)
Federally Declared Disasters 28
Last Major Event Tornado (June 2022)
Event Frequency Major event every 5–6 years

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (605) 367-4350
Emergency Shelters 14 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-90 East, I-29 North, I-29 South, US-81 South

// County Profile

County Minnehaha County SD
State South Dakota (SD)
Population 200,062
Area 813 sq miles
FEMA Region Zone X (Moderate Risk)

// Major Cities

Dell Rapids SD Sioux Falls SD

// Cities in This County

// Other South Dakota Counties

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

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

🏭
Smithfield Foods Sioux Falls SD Pork Plant
Food Processing  ·  Sioux Falls, SD  ·  Smithfield Foods / WH Group  ·  5-mi risk zone
8/10 High
🏥
Sanford USD Medical Center Sioux Falls SD
Major Hospital  ·  Sioux Falls, SD  ·  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.