SD · State guide

South Dakota emergency preparedness

FEMA's National Risk Index puts South Dakota's expected annual loss from natural hazards at about $768 million, rated Relatively Low. The hazards with the largest expected losses are inland flooding, cold waves and tornadoes.

Weather alerts in South Dakota right now

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National Weather Service data, updated Oct 22, 2026, 8:27 AM ET. Not an official warning: follow your local NWS office. All US alerts →

South Dakota's biggest natural hazards

FEMA's expected annual loss for each hazard, in dollars a year, and FEMA's rating, from the National Risk Index (December 2025).

Inland floodingRelatively Low$274 million a yearHow to prepare →

Cold waveRelatively High$188 million a yearHow to prepare →

TornadoRelatively Moderate$122 million a yearHow to prepare →

WildfireRelatively Moderate$42 million a yearHow to prepare →

HailRelatively Low$36 million a year

DroughtRelatively Moderate$27 million a yearHow to prepare →

Strong windRelatively Moderate$26 million a yearHow to prepare →

Ice stormRelatively High$20 million a yearHow to prepare →

Get ready for inland flooding, cold waves, tornadoes and wildfires

Inland floodingFlood preparedness: flood watch vs warning, what to do and how flood insurance worksGear: Sump pump battery backups · Fireproof document safes

Cold waveHow to stay warm without power in winter, safelyGear: Emergency blankets and sleeping bags · Hand warmers

TornadoTornado preparedness: watch vs warning, where to shelter and what to do afterGear: Weather radios

WildfireHow to protect yourself from wildfire smoke: AQI, clean room, filters and N95sGear: Air purifiers for wildfire smoke · N95 masks for smoke

Official help in South Dakota

State emergency management: Emergency Management
Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone and sign up for your county's local alerts. Make a family plan.
More South Dakota government services: USA.gov

Build a kit for your household

Ready.gov's checklist, sized to who lives with you, with extras for the hazards you face.

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Other states where inland flooding tops the list

Alabama Arizona Arkansas Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Georgia

Seasonal checklists for South Dakota

One calm email before the season's hazards arrive. No spam.

Sources (4)