Federal records document 98 natural disaster events in the South Bend, IN area (ZIP 46615). These include 67 hailstorms, 13 severe wind events, and 6 floods. Total documented property damage amounts to $9.4M. These events have resulted in 10 recorded deaths and 2 injuries.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 68% of all recorded events (67 total). Of these, 2 (3%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for hail-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Hail-related events have caused a combined $1.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Jul 20, 2023.
There have been 13 recorded severe wind events in this area, representing 13% of all disaster events. Wind-related events have caused a combined $150K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Mar 30, 2025.
South Bend has experienced 6 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 $580K in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to floods in this area. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Mar 31, 2023.
South Bend has experienced 6 tornadoes on record. Tornado-related events have caused a combined $7.4M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Oct 24, 2001.
South Bend has experienced 5 blizzards on record. Of these, 3 (60%) 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 $25K in documented property damage. 8 fatalities have been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Dec 18, 2016.
South Bend 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 Jul 21, 2011.
The most significant disaster event on record for South Bend was EF1 Tornado on Sep 9, 1985, which caused $2.5M in property damage. Another major event was EF2 Tornado (Jun 28, 1980), causing $2.5M in damages. EF2 Tornado on Oct 24, 2001 also caused significant damage ($1.3M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 46615 has experienced 98 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (67 events), severe wind events (13 events), floods (6 events), tornadoes (6 events), blizzards (5 events), and extreme heat event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 68% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in South Bend, IN, with 67 events documented. These events have caused a combined $1.3M in property damage.
Yes, South Bend (ZIP 46615) has 6 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $580K in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Mar 31, 2023.
South Bend has 6 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 $7.4M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Oct 24, 2001.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 46615 was EF1 Tornado, which occurred on Sep 9, 1985. This event caused $2.5M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 2/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $9.4M in property damage in the South Bend, IN area (ZIP 46615). 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 →