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50143 Leighton, IA — Natural Disaster History

📊 Disaster Profile: Leighton, IA (50143)

Federal records document 148 natural disaster events in the Leighton, IA area (ZIP 50143). These include 58 floods, 37 blizzards, and 36 hailstorms. Total documented property damage amounts to $59.3M. A total of 4 injuries have been reported across all events.

🌊 Floods — Primary Hazard

Floods represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 39% of all recorded events (58 total). Of these, 40 (69%) 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 $6.1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on May 28, 2019.

❄️ Blizzards

There have been 37 recorded blizzards in this area, representing 25% of all disaster events. Of these, 23 (62%) 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.

⛈️ Hailstorms

There have been 36 recorded hailstorms in this area, representing 24% of all disaster events. Of these, 2 (6%) 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 $821K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 21, 2024.

🌪️ Tornadoes

Leighton has experienced 9 tornadoes on record. Tornado-related events have caused a combined $533.7K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Aug 20, 2019.

🥶 Extreme cold events

Leighton has experienced 4 extreme cold 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 cold-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Cold-related events have caused a combined $46.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Apr 11, 2012.

💨 Severe wind events

Leighton has experienced 3 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 3, 2012.

Notable Events

The most significant disaster event on record for Leighton was Frost/Freeze on Sep 14, 1996, which caused $42M 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).

📍 Nearby ZIP Codes

Explore disaster history for adjacent areas

Frequently Asked Questions

What natural disasters have occurred in Leighton, IA (50143)?

Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 50143 has experienced 148 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include floods (58 events), blizzards (37 events), hailstorms (36 events), tornadoes (9 events), extreme cold events (4 events), severe wind events (3 events), and extreme heat event (1 event). The primary hazard is floods, which account for 39% of all recorded events.

What is the most common natural hazard in ZIP code 50143?

Floods are the most frequently recorded hazard in Leighton, IA, with 58 events documented. These events have caused a combined $6.1M in property damage.

Is ZIP code 50143 (Leighton) prone to flooding?

Yes, Leighton (ZIP 50143) has 58 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $6.1M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on May 28, 2019.

Has Leighton (50143) ever been hit by a tornado?

Leighton has 9 recorded tornado events in the historical record. The strongest tornado recorded reached severity level 3/5 on the normalized scale. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $533.7K. The most recent tornado was recorded on Aug 20, 2019.

What was the worst natural disaster in Leighton, IA?

The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 50143 was Frost/Freeze, which occurred on Sep 14, 1996. This event caused $42M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.

How much property damage have natural disasters caused in ZIP code 50143?

Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $59.3M in property damage in the Leighton, IA area (ZIP 50143). 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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