Opelika, AL (ZIP 36801) has experienced 52 recorded natural disaster events based on federal and state agency records. These include 34 hailstorms, 8 tornadoes, and 5 floods. Total documented property damage amounts to $6.2M. These events have resulted in 1 recorded death and 77 injuries.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 65% of all recorded events (34 total). Hail-related events have caused a combined $21K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Aug 11, 2023.
Opelika has experienced 8 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 $2.9M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jan 22, 2017.
Opelika has experienced 5 floods on record. Of these, 4 (80%) 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 $2.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jun 26, 2011.
Opelika has experienced 3 blizzards on record. Of these, 2 (67%) 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 $60K in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Jan 28, 2014.
Opelika has experienced 1 extreme cold event on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 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 Mar 7, 1996.
Opelika has experienced 1 extreme heat event on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for heat-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). The most recent recorded extreme heat event occurred on Aug 8, 2007.
The most significant disaster event on record for Opelika was EF2 Tornado on Apr 13, 1980, which caused $2.5M in property damage. Another major event was Flood (May 8, 2003), causing $1.9M in damages. Cold/Wind Chill on Mar 7, 1996 also caused significant damage ($1M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 36801 has experienced 52 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (34 events), tornadoes (8 events), floods (5 events), blizzards (3 events), extreme cold event (1 event), and extreme heat event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 65% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Opelika, AL, with 34 events documented. These events have caused a combined $21K in property damage.
Yes, Opelika (ZIP 36801) has 5 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $2.3M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jun 26, 2011.
Opelika has 8 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 $2.9M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jan 22, 2017.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 36801 was EF2 Tornado, which occurred on Apr 13, 1980. This event caused $2.5M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 3/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $6.2M in property damage in the Opelika, AL area (ZIP 36801). 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 →