Ames, IA (ZIP 50010) sits in one of the more disaster-active areas in the region, with 343 natural disaster events on record. These include 174 hailstorms, 84 floods, and 47 blizzards. Total documented property damage amounts to $81.1M. These events have resulted in 1 recorded death and 7 injuries.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 51% of all recorded events (174 total). Of these, 4 (2%) 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 5/5 (extreme). Hail-related events have caused a combined $2.2M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 19, 2025.
Floods account for 24% of the disaster record here, with 84 events documented. Of these, 65 (77%) 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 $61M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jul 3, 2019.
There have been 47 recorded blizzards in this area, representing 14% of all disaster events. Of these, 23 (49%) 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 $5.2M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 1, 2015.
There have been 22 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 6% of all disaster events. Of these, 5 (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 $7.3M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to tornadoes in this area. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jun 7, 2015.
There have been 12 recorded severe wind events in this area, representing 3% of all disaster events. Wind-related events have caused a combined $1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Apr 13, 2018.
Ames 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 $4.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Apr 11, 2012.
The most significant disaster event on record for Ames was Flood on Aug 11, 2010, which caused $50M in property damage. Another major event was Heavy Snow (Oct 26, 1997), causing $3.2M in damages. Frost/Freeze on Oct 10, 2009 also caused significant damage ($2.5M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 50010 has experienced 343 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (174 events), floods (84 events), blizzards (47 events), tornadoes (22 events), severe wind events (12 events), extreme cold events (3 events), and extreme heat event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 51% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Ames, IA, with 174 events documented. These events have caused a combined $2.2M in property damage.
Yes, Ames (ZIP 50010) has 84 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $61M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jul 3, 2019.
Ames has 22 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 $7.3M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jun 7, 2015.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 50010 was Flood, which occurred on Aug 11, 2010. This event caused $50M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $81.1M in property damage in the Ames, IA area (ZIP 50010). 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 →