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43201 Columbus, OH — Natural Disaster History

📊 Disaster Profile: Columbus, OH (43201)

Federal records document 81 natural disaster events in the Columbus, OH area (ZIP 43201). These include 47 hailstorms, 18 floods, and 7 severe wind events. Total documented property damage amounts to $5.7M. A total of 11 injuries have been reported across all events.

⛈️ Hailstorms — Primary Hazard

Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 58% of all recorded events (47 total). 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 $55K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Apr 2, 2025.

🌊 Floods

There have been 18 recorded floods in this area, representing 22% of all disaster events. Of these, 4 (22%) 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 4/5 (severe). Flood-related events have caused a combined $277K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jul 6, 2022.

💨 Severe wind events

Columbus has experienced 7 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $200K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Mar 9, 2002.

❄️ Blizzards

Columbus has experienced 4 blizzards on record. Of these, 4 (100%) 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 $1.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Jan 21, 2013.

🌪️ Tornadoes

Columbus has experienced 3 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 $3.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Sep 26, 2018.

🥶 Extreme cold events

Columbus has experienced 2 extreme cold events 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 $640K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Apr 6, 2007.

Notable Events

The most significant disaster event on record for Columbus was EF3 Tornado on Feb 22, 1971, which caused $2.5M in property damage. Another major event was EF1 Tornado (Sep 26, 2018), causing $750K in damages. Winter Weather on Jan 21, 2013 also caused significant damage ($700K).

📍 Nearby ZIP Codes

Explore disaster history for adjacent areas

Frequently Asked Questions

What natural disasters have occurred in Columbus, OH (43201)?

Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 43201 has experienced 81 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (47 events), floods (18 events), severe wind events (7 events), blizzards (4 events), tornadoes (3 events), and extreme cold events (2 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 58% of all recorded events.

What is the most common natural hazard in ZIP code 43201?

Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Columbus, OH, with 47 events documented. These events have caused a combined $55K in property damage.

Is ZIP code 43201 (Columbus) prone to flooding?

Yes, Columbus (ZIP 43201) has 18 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $277K in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jul 6, 2022.

Has Columbus (43201) ever been hit by a tornado?

Columbus has 3 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 $3.3M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Sep 26, 2018.

What was the worst natural disaster in Columbus, OH?

The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 43201 was EF3 Tornado, which occurred on Feb 22, 1971. This event caused $2.5M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 4/5.

How much property damage have natural disasters caused in ZIP code 43201?

Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $5.7M in property damage in the Columbus, OH area (ZIP 43201). 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 →

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