Government records show 242 natural disaster events affecting the Van Meter, IA area (ZIP 50261) — a notably active disaster history. These include 98 floods, 66 hailstorms, and 43 blizzards. Total documented property damage amounts to $65.5M. A total of 1 injury has been reported across all events.
Floods represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 40% of all recorded events (98 total). Of these, 72 (73%) 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 $33.2M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on May 28, 2019.
Hailstorms account for 27% of the disaster record here, with 66 events documented. Hail-related events have caused a combined $428K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 19, 2025.
There have been 43 recorded blizzards in this area, representing 18% of all disaster events. Of these, 24 (56%) 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 $4.9M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 1, 2015.
There have been 20 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 8% of all disaster events. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for tornado-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Tornado-related events have caused a combined $21.9M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Mar 5, 2022.
There have been 11 recorded severe wind events in this area, representing 5% of all disaster events. Wind-related events have caused a combined $625K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Jun 30, 2014.
Van Meter 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 Van Meter was EF2 Tornado on Mar 5, 2022, which caused $20M in property damage. Another major event was Flood (Jun 12, 2010), causing $20M in damages. Heavy Snow on Oct 26, 1997 also caused significant damage ($3.2M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 50261 has experienced 242 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include floods (98 events), hailstorms (66 events), blizzards (43 events), tornadoes (20 events), severe wind events (11 events), extreme cold events (3 events), and extreme heat event (1 event). The primary hazard is floods, which account for 40% of all recorded events.
Floods are the most frequently recorded hazard in Van Meter, IA, with 98 events documented. These events have caused a combined $33.2M in property damage.
Yes, Van Meter (ZIP 50261) has 98 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $33.2M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on May 28, 2019.
Van Meter has 20 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 $21.9M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Mar 5, 2022.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 50261 was EF2 Tornado, which occurred on Mar 5, 2022. This event caused $20M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 3/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $65.5M in property damage in the Van Meter, IA area (ZIP 50261). 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 →