Winter Storms
Blizzards, heavy snow, ice, and wind chill are the most frequent hazard in Madison County.
Local Hazards
Hazards for Madison County and Rexburg, Idaho, listed in the order they most often affect our community.
This page supplements, and does not replace, official instructions from Madison County, the City of Rexburg, law enforcement, fire and EMS, the National Weather Service, the State of Idaho, or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During an emergency, follow instructions from civil authorities.
River and Flash Flooding
Spring snowmelt, rain on frozen ground, and ice jams can raise the Henry's Fork, Teton, and Snake rivers quickly.
Historical note: the 1976 Teton Dam failure
Teton Dam on the Teton River failed on June 5, 1976, as it filled for the first time. The flood struck Wilford, Sugar City, Salem, Hibbard, and Rexburg. The dam was never rebuilt, and the site remains accessible today. This note is historical context only. Flood risk in Madison County today comes mainly from spring snowmelt, rain on frozen ground, ice jams, and flash flooding. For current river and dam information, follow Madison County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service.
Severe Storms, Wind, and Hail
Summer thunderstorms bring damaging wind, large hail, lightning, and occasionally tornado warnings.
Extreme Cold
Idaho cold snaps bring frozen pipes, lost heat, and dangerous wind chill.
Power and Utility Outages
Winter storms and high wind regularly interrupt electricity, water, and gas service.
Wildland and Structure Fire
Home fires are the most common structure emergency, and wildland fire season brings evacuation orders.
Drought
Extended dry periods affect wells, irrigation, livestock, and wildland fire risk across the county.
Earthquake
Eastern Idaho is seismically active, and shaking can happen with little or no warning.
Hazardous Materials
Highways and rail lines through Madison County carry fuels and chemicals, and home chemicals cause accidents too.
Public Health Emergency
Illness outbreaks and other health emergencies can change how we gather, work, and care for each other.
Where to get official information
Madison County CodeRED is the primary household emergency notification system for our county. Madison County Emergency Management publishes current conditions on Be Ready Madison. The National Weather Service office in Pocatello issues watches and warnings for eastern Idaho. Travel conditions are posted on Idaho 511.
