Government agency data shows 19 natural disaster events for ZIP 27981 in Wanchese, NC. These include 11 hailstorms, 4 tornadoes, and 3 severe wind events. Total documented property damage amounts to $482.5K. A total of 9 injuries have been reported across all events.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 58% of all recorded events (11 total). The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 15, 2025.
Wanchese 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 $252.5K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Aug 14, 2004.
Wanchese 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.
Wanchese has experienced 1 wildfire on record. The most recent recorded wildfire occurred on Jul 10, 2019.
The most significant disaster event on record for Wanchese was 104 mph Thunderstorm Wind on Apr 11, 1999, which caused $230K in property damage. Another major event was EF1 Tornado (Aug 14, 2004), causing $225K in damages.
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 27981 has experienced 19 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (11 events), tornadoes (4 events), severe wind events (3 events), and wildfire (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 58% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Wanchese, NC, with 11 events documented.
Wanchese 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 $252.5K. The most recent tornado was recorded on Aug 14, 2004.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 27981 was 104 mph Thunderstorm Wind, which occurred on Apr 11, 1999. This event caused $230K in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 3/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $482.5K in property damage in the Wanchese, NC area (ZIP 27981). 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 →