Empire, MI (ZIP 49630) has a moderate disaster history with 21 recorded events. These include 11 hailstorms, 3 severe wind events, and 2 blizzards. Total documented property damage amounts to $72.2M. Across all recorded events, 1 death has been attributed to natural disasters in this area.
The dominant hazard type for Empire is hailstorms, with 11 recorded events making up 52% of the area's disaster history. Of these, 2 (18%) 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 $2.1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Aug 3, 2023.
Empire has experienced 3 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $18.8M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Aug 2, 2015.
Empire has experienced 2 blizzards on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for winter storm events here is 5/5 (extreme). Winter storm events have caused a combined $13.7M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Mar 2, 2012.
Empire has experienced 2 extreme cold events on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for cold-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Cold-related events have caused a combined $37.5M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to extreme cold events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Apr 27, 2012.
Empire has experienced 2 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 $179K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Oct 21, 2019.
Empire has experienced 1 tornado on record. Tornado-related events have caused a combined $25K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jul 31, 1977.
The most significant disaster event on record for Empire was Frost/Freeze on Apr 27, 2012, which caused $37.5M in property damage. Another major event was 90 mph Thunderstorm Wind (Aug 2, 2015), causing $18.8M in damages. Heavy Snow on Mar 2, 2012 also caused significant damage ($13.7M).
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 49630 has experienced 21 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (11 events), severe wind events (3 events), blizzards (2 events), extreme cold events (2 events), floods (2 events), and tornado (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 52% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Empire, MI, with 11 events documented. These events have caused a combined $2.1M in property damage.
Yes, Empire (ZIP 49630) has 2 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $179K in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Oct 21, 2019.
Empire has 1 recorded tornado event in the historical record. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $25K. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jul 31, 1977.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 49630 was Frost/Freeze, which occurred on Apr 27, 2012. This event caused $37.5M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $72.2M in property damage in the Empire, MI area (ZIP 49630). 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 →