Detroit, MI (ZIP 48201) has experienced 65 recorded natural disaster events based on federal and state agency records. These include 21 hailstorms, 13 extreme cold events, and 12 extreme heat events. Total documented property damage amounts to $28.8M. These events have resulted in 17 recorded deaths and 592 injuries.
The dominant hazard type for Detroit is hailstorms, with 21 recorded events making up 32% of the area's disaster history. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for hail-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Jul 8, 2020.
There have been 13 recorded extreme cold events in this area, representing 20% 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 cold-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Cold-related events have caused a combined $275K in documented property damage. 12 fatalities have been attributed to extreme cold events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Jan 29, 2019.
There have been 12 recorded extreme heat events in this area, representing 18% of all disaster events. Of these, 10 (83%) 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). 4 fatalities have been attributed to extreme heat events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme heat event occurred on Jul 23, 2013.
Detroit 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 $27M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 22, 2023.
Detroit has experienced 5 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $150K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on May 23, 2004.
Detroit has experienced 4 floods on record. Of these, 2 (50%) 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 $1.2M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jul 28, 2011.
The most significant disaster event on record for Detroit was Ice Storm on Feb 22, 2023, which caused $16M in property damage. Another major event was Winter Storm (Apr 14, 2018), causing $5M in damages. Ice Storm on Mar 13, 1997 also caused significant damage ($4M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 48201 has experienced 65 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (21 events), extreme cold events (13 events), extreme heat events (12 events), blizzards (7 events), severe wind events (5 events), floods (4 events), and tornadoes (3 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 32% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Detroit, MI, with 21 events documented.
Yes, Detroit (ZIP 48201) has 4 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $1.2M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jul 28, 2011.
Detroit has 3 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 $252.5K. The most recent tornado was recorded on Aug 2, 1986.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 48201 was Ice Storm, which occurred on Feb 22, 2023. This event caused $16M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $28.8M in property damage in the Detroit, MI area (ZIP 48201). 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 →