Salem, KY (ZIP 42078) has experienced 60 recorded natural disaster events based on federal and state agency records. These include 20 hailstorms, 16 floods, and 12 tornadoes. Total documented property damage amounts to $22.8M. These events have resulted in 2 recorded deaths and 4 injuries.
The dominant hazard type for Salem is hailstorms, with 20 recorded events making up 33% of the area's disaster history. Hail-related events have caused a combined $9K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 16, 2025.
There have been 16 recorded floods in this area, representing 27% of all disaster events. Of these, 8 (50%) 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 $1.2M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to floods in this area. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jul 11, 2021.
There have been 12 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 20% of all disaster events. Tornado-related events have caused a combined $765K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jun 23, 2019.
Salem has experienced 4 blizzards on record. Of these, 3 (75%) 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 5/5 (extreme). Winter storm events have caused a combined $12.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Jan 5, 2025.
Salem has experienced 4 extreme cold events on record. Cold-related events have caused a combined $25K in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to extreme cold events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Feb 20, 2025.
Salem has experienced 4 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $8.5M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on May 8, 2009.
The most significant disaster event on record for Salem was Ice Storm on Jan 26, 2009, which caused $10.7M in property damage. Another major event was 78 mph High Wind (Sep 14, 2008), causing $8.4M in damages. Winter Storm on Feb 11, 2008 also caused significant damage ($1.5M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 42078 has experienced 60 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (20 events), floods (16 events), tornadoes (12 events), blizzards (4 events), extreme cold events (4 events), and severe wind events (4 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 33% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Salem, KY, with 20 events documented. These events have caused a combined $9K in property damage.
Yes, Salem (ZIP 42078) has 16 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $1.2M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jul 11, 2021.
Salem has 12 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 $765K. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jun 23, 2019.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 42078 was Ice Storm, which occurred on Jan 26, 2009. This event caused $10.7M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $22.8M in property damage in the Salem, KY area (ZIP 42078). 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 →