Altoona, PA (ZIP 16601) has a moderate disaster history with 33 recorded events. These include 21 hailstorms, 4 tornadoes, and 3 floods. Total documented property damage amounts to $2.7M. These events have resulted in 3 recorded deaths and 1 injury.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 64% of all recorded events (21 total). The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Jul 20, 2023.
Altoona has experienced 4 tornadoes on record. Tornado-related events have caused a combined $2.5M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jun 2, 1998.
Altoona has experienced 3 floods on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for flood-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Flood-related events have caused a combined $35K in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to floods in this area. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Dec 1, 2010.
Altoona has experienced 3 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $140K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Mar 16, 2025.
Altoona has experienced 2 blizzards on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for winter storm events here is 4/5 (severe). Winter storm events have caused a combined $5K in documented property damage. 2 fatalities have been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Dec 14, 2013.
The most significant disaster event on record for Altoona was EF1 Tornado on Nov 5, 1988, which caused $2.5M in property damage.
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 16601 has experienced 33 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (21 events), tornadoes (4 events), floods (3 events), severe wind events (3 events), and blizzards (2 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 64% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Altoona, PA, with 21 events documented.
Yes, Altoona (ZIP 16601) has 3 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $35K in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Dec 1, 2010.
Altoona has 4 recorded tornado events in the historical record. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $2.5M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jun 2, 1998.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 16601 was EF1 Tornado, which occurred on Nov 5, 1988. This event caused $2.5M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 2/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $2.7M in property damage in the Altoona, PA area (ZIP 16601). 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 →