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49098 Watervliet, MI — Natural Disaster History

📊 Disaster Profile: Watervliet, MI (49098)

Watervliet, MI (ZIP 49098) has a moderate disaster history with 33 recorded events. These include 15 hailstorms, 9 tornadoes, and 4 blizzards. Total documented property damage amounts to $8.3M. These events have resulted in 1 recorded death and 25 injuries.

⛈️ Hailstorms — Leading Threat

The dominant hazard type for Watervliet is hailstorms, with 15 recorded events making up 45% of the area's disaster history. Hail-related events have caused a combined $181K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 7, 2024.

🌪️ Tornadoes

Watervliet has experienced 9 tornadoes on record. Of these, 2 (22%) 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 $5.6M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on May 13, 1980.

❄️ Blizzards

Watervliet has experienced 4 blizzards 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 winter storm events here is 5/5 (extreme). Winter storm events have caused a combined $175K in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 22, 2023.

🌊 Floods

Watervliet 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 $1.2M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Apr 5, 2023.

💨 Severe wind events

Watervliet has experienced 2 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $1.1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Jun 26, 2020.

Notable Events

The most significant disaster event on record for Watervliet was EF3 Tornado on May 13, 1980, which caused $2.5M in property damage. Another major event was EF3 Tornado (Apr 3, 1956), causing $2.5M in damages. Flood on May 21, 2004 also caused significant damage ($1.2M).

📍 Nearby ZIP Codes

Explore disaster history for adjacent areas

Frequently Asked Questions

What natural disasters have occurred in Watervliet, MI (49098)?

Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 49098 has experienced 33 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (15 events), tornadoes (9 events), blizzards (4 events), floods (3 events), and severe wind events (2 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 45% of all recorded events.

What is the most common natural hazard in ZIP code 49098?

Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Watervliet, MI, with 15 events documented. These events have caused a combined $181K in property damage.

Is ZIP code 49098 (Watervliet) prone to flooding?

Yes, Watervliet (ZIP 49098) has 3 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $1.2M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Apr 5, 2023.

Has Watervliet (49098) ever been hit by a tornado?

Watervliet has 9 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 $5.6M. The most recent tornado was recorded on May 13, 1980.

What was the worst natural disaster in Watervliet, MI?

The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 49098 was EF3 Tornado, which occurred on May 13, 1980. This event caused $2.5M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 4/5.

How much property damage have natural disasters caused in ZIP code 49098?

Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $8.3M in property damage in the Watervliet, MI area (ZIP 49098). 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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