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48118 Chelsea, MI — Natural Disaster History

📊 Disaster Profile: Chelsea, MI (48118)

Federal records document 100 natural disaster events in the Chelsea, MI area (ZIP 48118). These include 62 hailstorms, 13 tornadoes, and 8 floods. Total documented property damage amounts to $47.4M. These events have resulted in 3 recorded deaths and 33 injuries.

⛈️ Hailstorms — Leading Threat

The dominant hazard type for Chelsea is hailstorms, with 62 recorded events making up 62% of the area's disaster history. Hail-related events have caused a combined $1.5M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Jul 20, 2023.

🌪️ Tornadoes

There have been 13 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 13% of all disaster events. Of these, 4 (31%) 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 4/5 (severe). Tornado-related events have caused a combined $16.1M in documented property damage. 2 fatalities have been attributed to tornadoes in this area. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on May 15, 2025.

🌊 Floods

Chelsea has experienced 8 floods on record. Of these, 5 (63%) 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 $8.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jun 25, 2021.

❄️ Blizzards

Chelsea has experienced 7 blizzards on record. Of these, 6 (86%) 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 $17.6M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 22, 2023.

🥵 Extreme heat events

Chelsea has experienced 4 extreme heat events 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 heat-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). The most recent recorded extreme heat event occurred on Jul 14, 2013.

🥶 Extreme cold events

Chelsea has experienced 3 extreme cold events on record. Of these, 3 (100%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for cold-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Cold-related events have caused a combined $1.8M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Apr 27, 2012.

Notable Events

The most significant disaster event on record for Chelsea was EF3 Tornado on Mar 15, 2012, which caused $12M in property damage. Another major event was Ice Storm (Feb 22, 2023), causing $8M in damages. Flash Flood on Jun 25, 2021 also caused significant damage ($7.5M).

📍 Nearby ZIP Codes

Explore disaster history for adjacent areas

Frequently Asked Questions

What natural disasters have occurred in Chelsea, MI (48118)?

Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 48118 has experienced 100 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (62 events), tornadoes (13 events), floods (8 events), blizzards (7 events), extreme heat events (4 events), extreme cold events (3 events), and severe wind events (3 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 62% of all recorded events.

What is the most common natural hazard in ZIP code 48118?

Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Chelsea, MI, with 62 events documented. These events have caused a combined $1.5M in property damage.

Is ZIP code 48118 (Chelsea) prone to flooding?

Yes, Chelsea (ZIP 48118) has 8 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $8.3M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jun 25, 2021.

Has Chelsea (48118) ever been hit by a tornado?

Chelsea has 13 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 $16.1M. The most recent tornado was recorded on May 15, 2025.

What was the worst natural disaster in Chelsea, MI?

The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 48118 was EF3 Tornado, which occurred on Mar 15, 2012. This event caused $12M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 4/5.

How much property damage have natural disasters caused in ZIP code 48118?

Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $47.4M in property damage in the Chelsea, MI area (ZIP 48118). 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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