Indianapolis, IN (ZIP 46221) sits in one of the more disaster-active areas in the region, with 244 natural disaster events on record. These include 142 hailstorms, 55 floods, and 27 tornadoes. Total documented property damage amounts to $35M. These events have resulted in 9 recorded deaths and 98 injuries.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 58% of all recorded events (142 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). The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 24, 2024.
Floods account for 23% of the disaster record here, with 55 events documented. Of these, 14 (25%) 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 $17.3M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to floods in this area. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Apr 4, 2025.
There have been 27 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 11% of all disaster events. Of these, 4 (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 5/5 (extreme). Tornado-related events have caused a combined $15.5M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jun 25, 2023.
There have been 12 recorded blizzards in this area, representing 5% of all disaster events. Of these, 8 (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 5/5 (extreme). Winter storm events have caused a combined $2.1M in documented property damage. 7 fatalities have been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Nov 10, 2025.
Indianapolis has experienced 7 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $70K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on May 16, 2025.
Indianapolis has experienced 1 extreme heat event on record. 1 fatality has been attributed to extreme heat events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme heat event occurred on Jun 14, 2000.
The most significant disaster event on record for Indianapolis was Flood on Jul 6, 2003, which caused $10.6M in property damage. Another major event was EF3 Tornado (Mar 10, 1986), causing $2.5M in damages. EF1 Tornado on Jul 4, 1973 also caused significant damage ($2.5M).
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 46221 has experienced 244 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (142 events), floods (55 events), tornadoes (27 events), blizzards (12 events), severe wind events (7 events), and extreme heat event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 58% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Indianapolis, IN, with 142 events documented.
Yes, Indianapolis (ZIP 46221) has 55 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $17.3M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Apr 4, 2025.
Indianapolis has 27 recorded tornado events in the historical record. The strongest tornado recorded reached severity level 5/5 on the normalized scale. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $15.5M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jun 25, 2023.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 46221 was Flood, which occurred on Jul 6, 2003. This event caused $10.6M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $35M in property damage in the Indianapolis, IN area (ZIP 46221). 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 →