ZIP code 08540, covering Princeton, NJ, has 61 natural disaster events in the historical record. These include 28 hailstorms, 11 blizzards, and 10 floods. Total documented property damage amounts to $95.3M. These events have resulted in 8 recorded deaths and 109 injuries.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 46% of all recorded events (28 total). The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Apr 1, 2023.
There have been 11 recorded blizzards in this area, representing 18% of all disaster events. Of these, 7 (64%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for winter storm events here is 5/5 (extreme). Winter storm events have caused a combined $3.1M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Jan 18, 2015.
Princeton has experienced 10 floods on record. Of these, 10 (100%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for flood-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Flood-related events have caused a combined $86.8M in documented property damage. 2 fatalities have been attributed to floods in this area. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Aug 6, 2024.
Princeton has experienced 7 extreme heat events on record. Of these, 4 (57%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for heat-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). 5 fatalities have been attributed to extreme heat events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme heat event occurred on May 26, 2016.
Princeton has experienced 4 tornadoes on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for tornado-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Tornado-related events have caused a combined $5M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Feb 21, 2023.
Princeton has experienced 1 severe wind event on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $350K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Oct 4, 2000.
The most significant disaster event on record for Princeton was Flood on Aug 28, 2011, which caused $75M in property damage and was linked to 2 fatalities. Another major event was Flood (Apr 15, 2007), causing $5M in damages. EF3 Tornado on Oct 18, 1990 also caused significant damage ($2.5M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 08540 has experienced 61 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (28 events), blizzards (11 events), floods (10 events), extreme heat events (7 events), tornadoes (4 events), and severe wind event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 46% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Princeton, NJ, with 28 events documented.
Yes, Princeton (ZIP 08540) has 10 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $86.8M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Aug 6, 2024.
Princeton has 4 recorded tornado events in the historical record. The strongest tornado recorded reached severity level 4/5 on the normalized scale. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $5M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Feb 21, 2023.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 08540 was Flood, which occurred on Aug 28, 2011. This event caused $75M in documented property damage. It resulted in 2 reported fatalities. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $95.3M in property damage in the Princeton, NJ area (ZIP 08540). This figure is based on historical records from FEMA, NOAA Storm Events Database, and USGS, and covers events from the 1950s through the present. Actual damages may be higher, as not all events have complete damage assessments.
Data sourced from FEMA (disaster declarations, NFIP flood claims), NOAA Storm Events Database, USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, and NIFC wildfire records. Historical coverage varies by source, with most records beginning in the 1950s–1970s. Full methodology →