Government records show 484 natural disaster events affecting the Des Moines, IA area (ZIP 50312) — a notably active disaster history. These include 239 hailstorms, 163 floods, and 42 blizzards. Total documented property damage amounts to $137.1M. These events have resulted in 4 recorded deaths and 42 injuries.
The dominant hazard type for Des Moines is hailstorms, with 239 recorded events making up 49% of the area's disaster history. Of these, 3 (1%) 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 $13.1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 19, 2025.
Floods account for 34% of the disaster record here, with 163 events documented. Of these, 109 (67%) 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 $52.5M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jul 20, 2025.
There have been 42 recorded blizzards in this area, representing 9% of all disaster events. Of these, 26 (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 $10.4M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 1, 2015.
There have been 18 recorded severe wind events in this area, representing 4% of all disaster events. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for wind-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Wind-related events have caused a combined $48M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Aug 10, 2020.
There have been 15 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 3% of all disaster events. Tornado-related events have caused a combined $8.7M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jul 15, 2024.
Des Moines has experienced 4 extreme cold events on record. Of these, 3 (75%) 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. 1 fatality has been attributed to extreme cold events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Apr 11, 2012.
The most significant disaster event on record for Des Moines was 120 mph Thunderstorm Wind on Jun 29, 1998, which caused $40M in property damage. Another major event was Flood (Jun 12, 2010), causing $20M in damages. 2" Hail on Jun 12, 2001 also caused significant damage ($9.5M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 50312 has experienced 484 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (239 events), floods (163 events), blizzards (42 events), severe wind events (18 events), tornadoes (15 events), extreme cold events (4 events), and extreme heat events (3 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 49% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Des Moines, IA, with 239 events documented. These events have caused a combined $13.1M in property damage.
Yes, Des Moines (ZIP 50312) has 163 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $52.5M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jul 20, 2025.
Des Moines has 15 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 $8.7M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jul 15, 2024.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 50312 was 120 mph Thunderstorm Wind, which occurred on Jun 29, 1998. This event caused $40M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 4/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $137.1M in property damage in the Des Moines, IA area (ZIP 50312). 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 →