Federal records document 84 natural disaster events in the Northwest, MI area (ZIP 48532). These include 41 hailstorms, 13 tornadoes, and 11 blizzards. Total documented property damage amounts to $45.1M. These events have resulted in 121 recorded deaths and 943 injuries.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 49% of all recorded events (41 total). The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Aug 11, 2023.
There have been 13 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 15% of all disaster events. Of these, 3 (23%) 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 5/5 (extreme). Tornado-related events have caused a combined $34.4M in documented property damage. 119 fatalities have been attributed to tornadoes in this area. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jul 24, 2021.
There have been 11 recorded blizzards in this area, representing 13% of all disaster events. Of these, 6 (55%) 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 $5.8M in documented property damage. 2 fatalities have been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Apr 14, 2018.
Northwest has experienced 9 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $2.1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Jun 9, 2011.
Northwest 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.
Northwest has experienced 3 extreme cold events 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 cold-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Cold-related events have caused a combined $1.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Apr 27, 2012.
The most significant disaster event on record for Northwest was EF5 Tornado on Jun 8, 1953, which caused $25M in property damage and was linked to 116 fatalities. Another major event was Ice Storm (Dec 21, 2013), causing $3M in damages. EF4 Tornado on May 12, 1956 also caused significant damage ($2.5M).
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 48532 has experienced 84 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (41 events), tornadoes (13 events), blizzards (11 events), severe wind events (9 events), extreme heat events (4 events), extreme cold events (3 events), and floods (3 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 49% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Northwest, MI, with 41 events documented.
Yes, Northwest (ZIP 48532) has 3 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $1.5M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Aug 2, 2006.
Northwest has 13 recorded tornado events in the historical record. The strongest tornado recorded reached severity level 5/5 on the normalized scale. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $34.4M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jul 24, 2021.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 48532 was EF5 Tornado, which occurred on Jun 8, 1953. This event caused $25M in documented property damage. It resulted in 116 reported fatalities. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $45.1M in property damage in the Northwest, MI area (ZIP 48532). 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 →