Government records show 444 natural disaster events affecting the Des Moines, IA area (ZIP 50315) — a notably active disaster history. These include 199 hailstorms, 163 floods, and 42 blizzards. Total documented property damage amounts to $190.9M. These events have resulted in 4 recorded deaths and 41 injuries.
The dominant hazard type for Des Moines is hailstorms, with 199 recorded events making up 45% of the area's disaster history. 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 4/5 (severe). Hail-related events have caused a combined $12.4M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 19, 2025.
Floods account for 37% of the disaster record here, with 163 events documented. Of these, 110 (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 $33.4M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Aug 19, 2022.
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 21 recorded severe wind events in this area, representing 5% 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 $47.8M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Aug 10, 2020.
There have been 12 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 3% of all disaster events. Tornado-related events have caused a combined $82.5M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Apr 26, 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 EF2 Tornado on Mar 5, 2022, which caused $75M in property damage. Another major event was 120 mph Thunderstorm Wind (Jun 29, 1998), causing $40M 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 50315 has experienced 444 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (199 events), floods (163 events), blizzards (42 events), severe wind events (21 events), tornadoes (12 events), extreme cold events (4 events), and extreme heat events (3 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 45% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Des Moines, IA, with 199 events documented. These events have caused a combined $12.4M in property damage.
Yes, Des Moines (ZIP 50315) has 163 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $33.4M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Aug 19, 2022.
Des Moines has 12 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 $82.5M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Apr 26, 2024.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 50315 was EF2 Tornado, which occurred on Mar 5, 2022. This event caused $75M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 3/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $190.9M in property damage in the Des Moines, IA area (ZIP 50315). 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 →