Sylva, NC (ZIP 28779) has experienced 69 recorded natural disaster events based on federal and state agency records. These include 34 hailstorms, 23 floods, and 4 tornadoes. Total documented property damage amounts to $16.6M.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 49% of all recorded events (34 total). Hail-related events have caused a combined $1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 17, 2025.
There have been 23 recorded floods in this area, representing 33% of all disaster events. Of these, 12 (52%) 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 $11.1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jul 16, 2025.
Sylva has experienced 4 tornadoes on record. Tornado-related events have caused a combined $502.5K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on May 8, 2024.
Sylva has experienced 2 extreme cold events on record. Of these, 2 (100%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for cold-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Cold-related events have caused a combined $1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Apr 8, 2007.
Sylva has experienced 2 earthquakes on record. The most recent recorded earthquake occurred on Jun 16, 2006.
Sylva has experienced 2 wildfires on record. The most recent recorded wildfire occurred on Mar 14, 2023.
The most significant disaster event on record for Sylva was Flash Flood on Sep 27, 2024, which caused $10M in property damage. Another major event was Ice Storm (Dec 4, 2002), causing $3M in damages. 1.8" Hail on May 24, 1996 also caused significant damage ($1M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 28779 has experienced 69 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (34 events), floods (23 events), tornadoes (4 events), extreme cold events (2 events), earthquakes (2 events), wildfires (2 events), blizzard (1 event), and severe wind event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 49% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Sylva, NC, with 34 events documented. These events have caused a combined $1M in property damage.
Yes, Sylva (ZIP 28779) has 23 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $11.1M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jul 16, 2025.
Sylva has 4 recorded tornado events in the historical record. The strongest tornado recorded reached severity level 3/5 on the normalized scale. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $502.5K. The most recent tornado was recorded on May 8, 2024.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 28779 was Flash Flood, which occurred on Sep 27, 2024. This event caused $10M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $16.6M in property damage in the Sylva, NC area (ZIP 28779). 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 →