If your property was affected by the wildfires in May, find resources and information on relevant county services here: 2025 Spring Wildfires

Questions about the Tax Forfeiture Class-Action Settlement? Visit MNTaxForfeitureSettlement.com or call 1-833-709-0093 


Natural Disasters

 
 

Severe Weather in St. Louis County

Whether it is flooding, wildfires, severe cold and winter weather, thunderstorms, or tornados, our county is at risk for experiencing a variety of dangerous weather events. It's important for every resident of St. Louis County to be informed about the risks severe weather poses and how to act. Situational awareness and taking preparedness actions are the key to staying safe during extreme weather. This page is dedicated to providing you information to monitor, prepare, respond, and recover from severe weather impacting St. Louis County.

 

Emergency Types

Wildfire

Wildfires

Wildfires spread quickly and can devastate not only wildland and natural areas, but communities. 

Before a fire

  • Get a weather radio, an emergency kit, and make an emergency plan.
  • Pay attention to air quality alerts.
  • When able, use fire-resistant materials to build, renovate, or make repairs to your home.
  • Find an outdoor water source with a hose that can reach any area of your property.
  • Create a fire-resistant zone at least 30 feet from your home that is free of leaves, debris or flammable materials.
  • Know your evacuation zone and routes in case local authorities initiate evacuations. The St. Louis County's evacuation map will indicate when and where to evacuate. 
  • Consider storing N95 masks with your emergency go bag to protect yourself from smoke inhalation when air quality is poor.
  • Consider making a 1 minute, 15 minutes, and 1 hour home evacuation checklist of the items and steps that you will take with that amount of time to prepare for an evacuation. 

During a fire

  • Pay attention to emergency alerts for information and instructions.
  • Evacuate immediately if authorities tell you to do so!
  • Use an N95 mask to protect yourself from smoke inhalation or limit your exposure to smoke.

After a fire

  • Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
  • Document any damage to your property with photographs.
  • Wear protective clothing including a long sleeved shirt and pants, work gloves, sturdy thick-soled shoes, and appropriate respiratory protection during clean-up efforts.
  • Contact your family and friends via text or social media. Phone systems are often busy following a disaster.

Flooding

Flooding

Floods and flash floods are one of the most common natural hazards in Minnesota. Rainfalls can be heavy in the warmer months and rapid snowmelt in the Spring can produce flash floods in a matter of hours. The following information includes a few steps and tips everyone can take to prepare for flooding.

Before a flood

  • Get a weather radio, an emergency kit, and make an emergency plan. 
  • Relocate or properly dispose of hazardous household materials (i.e. cleaning chemicals, paint, gasoline) so that they stay dry.
  • Elevate critical utilities.
  • Install a back valve and sump pump. As a last resort, use large corks or stoppers to plug showers, tubs, or basins.
  • If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.
  • Declutter drains and gutters regularly.
  • Take pictures of your home in its normal state for documentation.

During a flood

  • Do not walk, swim or drive through flood water. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to take a person off their feet. Turn Around. Don't Drown. 
  • Abandon your vehicle immediately if it stalls and seek higher ground.
  • Stay inside your car if it is trapped in rapidly moving water. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.
  • Get to the highest level if trapped in a building. Only get on the roof if necessary and signal for help. Do not climb into a closed space like an attic to avoid getting trapped.
  • About 75% of flash flood deaths occur at night. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

After a flood

  • Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
  • Document any damage to your property with photographs.
  • Wear heavy work gloves, protective clothing, boots, and masks during clean up.
  • People with asthma, other lung conditions, or immune suppression shouldn't enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup.
  • You may need to disinfect your private water well if it was flooded. 
  • Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Turn off the electricity if it is safe to do so.

Air Quality




Ely Weather Forecast

Contacts

In emergency or to file a report, call 911.

Public Health Hotline North
218-471-7600