Birmingham, AL (ZIP 35217) has experienced 121 recorded natural disaster events based on federal and state agency records. These include 76 hailstorms, 20 tornadoes, and 8 floods. Total documented property damage amounts to $33.3M. These events have resulted in 13 recorded deaths and 238 injuries.
With 76 recorded incidents (63% of all events), hailstorms are the leading natural hazard for this ZIP code. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for hail-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Hail-related events have caused a combined $28K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Jun 27, 2025.
There have been 20 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 17% of all disaster events. Of these, 3 (15%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for tornado-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Tornado-related events have caused a combined $31.4M in documented property damage. 7 fatalities have been attributed to tornadoes in this area. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Mar 25, 2021.
Birmingham has experienced 8 floods on record. Of these, 5 (63%) 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 $641K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jun 15, 2010.
Birmingham has experienced 6 blizzards on record. Of these, 3 (50%) 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 4/5 (severe). Winter storm events have caused a combined $111K in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Jan 28, 2014.
Birmingham has experienced 5 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $20K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Mar 10, 2000.
Birmingham has experienced 4 extreme heat events on record. Of these, 2 (50%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for heat-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Heat-related events have caused a combined $100K in documented property damage. 4 fatalities have been attributed to extreme heat events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme heat event occurred on Jul 22, 2025.
The most significant disaster event on record for Birmingham was EF3 Tornado on May 27, 1973, which caused $25M in property damage and was linked to 1 fatality. Another major event was EF2 Tornado (Nov 18, 1957), causing $2.5M in damages. EF1 Tornado on Feb 3, 1990 also caused significant damage ($2.5M).
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 35217 has experienced 121 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (76 events), tornadoes (20 events), floods (8 events), blizzards (6 events), severe wind events (5 events), extreme heat events (4 events), and extreme cold events (2 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 63% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Birmingham, AL, with 76 events documented. These events have caused a combined $28K in property damage.
Yes, Birmingham (ZIP 35217) has 8 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $641K in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jun 15, 2010.
Birmingham has 20 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 $31.4M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Mar 25, 2021.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 35217 was EF3 Tornado, which occurred on May 27, 1973. This event caused $25M in documented property damage. It resulted in 1 reported fatality. It was rated at severity level 4/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $33.3M in property damage in the Birmingham, AL area (ZIP 35217). 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 →