ZIP code 25865, covering Lester, WV, has 59 natural disaster events in the historical record. These include 23 hailstorms, 17 floods, and 12 blizzards. Total documented property damage amounts to $14.8M. These events have resulted in 2 recorded deaths and 29 injuries.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 39% of all recorded events (23 total). Hail-related events have caused a combined $10K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Mar 18, 2021.
There have been 17 recorded floods in this area, representing 29% of all disaster events. Of these, 4 (24%) 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 $1.2M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jan 31, 2025.
There have been 12 recorded blizzards in this area, representing 20% of all disaster events. Of these, 9 (75%) 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 $10.9M in documented property damage. 2 fatalities have been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 21, 2015.
Lester 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 $2.6M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jul 9, 1980.
Lester has experienced 3 extreme cold events on record. Cold-related events have caused a combined $85K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Jan 27, 2014.
The most significant disaster event on record for Lester was Heavy Snow on Jan 27, 1998, which caused $5M in property damage and was linked to 2 fatalities. Another major event was Winter Storm (Feb 3, 1998), causing $3.5M in damages. EF3 Tornado on Apr 4, 1974 also caused significant damage ($2.5M).
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 25865 has experienced 59 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (23 events), floods (17 events), blizzards (12 events), tornadoes (4 events), and extreme cold events (3 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 39% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Lester, WV, with 23 events documented. These events have caused a combined $10K in property damage.
Yes, Lester (ZIP 25865) has 17 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $1.2M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jan 31, 2025.
Lester 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 $2.6M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jul 9, 1980.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 25865 was Heavy Snow, which occurred on Jan 27, 1998. This event caused $5M 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 $14.8M in property damage in the Lester, WV area (ZIP 25865). 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 →