ZIP code 46409, covering Gary, IN, has 86 natural disaster events in the historical record. These include 29 hailstorms, 26 wildfires, and 14 severe wind events. Total documented property damage amounts to $15M. A total of 8 injuries have been reported across all events.
With 29 recorded incidents (34% of all events), hailstorms are the leading natural hazard for this ZIP code. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 7, 2024.
There have been 26 recorded wildfires in this area, representing 30% of all disaster events. The most recent recorded wildfire occurred on Mar 14, 2023.
There have been 14 recorded severe wind events in this area, representing 16% of all disaster events. Wind-related events have caused a combined $960K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Mar 31, 2023.
There have been 11 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 13% of all disaster events. 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 $3.9M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Mar 19, 2025.
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.
Gary has experienced 3 floods on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for flood-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Flood-related events have caused a combined $10M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Aug 22, 2014.
The most significant disaster event on record for Gary was Flash Flood on Aug 22, 2014, which caused $10M in property damage. Another major event was EF2 Tornado (Jun 30, 1977), causing $2.5M 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 46409 has experienced 86 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (29 events), wildfires (26 events), severe wind events (14 events), tornadoes (11 events), blizzards (3 events), and floods (3 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 34% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Gary, IN, with 29 events documented.
Yes, Gary (ZIP 46409) has 3 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $10M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Aug 22, 2014.
Gary has 11 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 $3.9M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Mar 19, 2025.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 46409 was Flash Flood, which occurred on Aug 22, 2014. This event caused $10M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $15M in property damage in the Gary, IN area (ZIP 46409). 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 →