Nags Head, NC (ZIP 27959) has a moderate disaster history with 21 recorded events. These include 11 hailstorms, 7 tornadoes, and 3 severe wind events. Total documented property damage amounts to $1M. These events have resulted in 1 recorded death and 15 injuries.
With 11 recorded incidents (52% of all events), hailstorms are the leading natural hazard for this ZIP code. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 15, 2025.
Nags Head has experienced 7 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 $777.5K in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to tornadoes in this area. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Aug 14, 2004.
Nags Head has experienced 3 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $230K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Jan 9, 2024.
The most significant disaster event on record for Nags Head was EF2 Tornado on Jul 31, 1978, which caused $250K in property damage and was linked to 1 fatality. Another major event was EF2 Tornado (Sep 28, 1982), causing $250K in damages.
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 27959 has experienced 21 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (11 events), tornadoes (7 events), and severe wind events (3 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 52% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Nags Head, NC, with 11 events documented.
Nags Head has 7 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 $777.5K. The most recent tornado was recorded on Aug 14, 2004.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 27959 was EF2 Tornado, which occurred on Jul 31, 1978. This event caused $250K in documented property damage. It resulted in 1 reported fatality. It was rated at severity level 3/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $1M in property damage in the Nags Head, NC area (ZIP 27959). 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 →