Federal records document 87 natural disaster events in the Gary, IN area (ZIP 46402). These include 29 wildfires, 23 hailstorms, and 18 severe wind events. Total documented property damage amounts to $7.3M. These events have resulted in 2 recorded deaths and 6 injuries.
Wildfires represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 33% of all recorded events (29 total). The most recent recorded wildfire occurred on Aug 16, 2023.
There have been 23 recorded hailstorms in this area, representing 26% of all disaster events. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 7, 2024.
There have been 18 recorded severe wind events in this area, representing 21% of all disaster events. Wind-related events have caused a combined $1.4M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Jul 15, 2024.
Gary has experienced 9 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 $3.8M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Mar 19, 2025.
Gary has experienced 5 floods on record. Of these, 2 (40%) 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 $2.1M in documented property damage. 2 fatalities have been attributed to floods in this area. The most recent recorded flood occurred on May 11, 2014.
Gary 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 5/5 (extreme). Winter storm events have caused a combined $110K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Dec 29, 2012.
The most significant disaster event on record for Gary was EF2 Tornado on Jun 30, 1977, which caused $2.5M in property damage. Another major event was Flash Flood (Sep 14, 2008), causing $2M in damages. EF2 Tornado on Aug 4, 2008 also caused significant damage ($1M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 46402 has experienced 87 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include wildfires (29 events), hailstorms (23 events), severe wind events (18 events), tornadoes (9 events), floods (5 events), and blizzards (3 events). The primary hazard is wildfires, which account for 33% of all recorded events.
Wildfires are the most frequently recorded hazard in Gary, IN, with 29 events documented.
Yes, Gary (ZIP 46402) has 5 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $2.1M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on May 11, 2014.
Gary has 9 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 $3.8M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Mar 19, 2025.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 46402 was EF2 Tornado, which occurred on Jun 30, 1977. 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 $7.3M in property damage in the Gary, IN area (ZIP 46402). 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 →