ZIP code 50438, covering Garner, IA, has 178 natural disaster events in the historical record. These include 72 hailstorms, 51 blizzards, and 30 floods. Total documented property damage amounts to $23.3M. These events have resulted in 1 recorded death and 43 injuries.
The dominant hazard type for Garner is hailstorms, with 72 recorded events making up 40% of the area's disaster history. Of these, 4 (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 $2.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Apr 28, 2025.
Blizzards account for 29% of the disaster record here, with 51 events documented. Of these, 22 (43%) 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 $1.5M 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 30 recorded floods in this area, representing 17% of all disaster events. Of these, 21 (70%) 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 $3.1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Mar 14, 2019.
There have been 15 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 8% of all disaster events. Of these, 3 (20%) 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 $9.1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on May 21, 2004.
Garner has experienced 5 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $260K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on May 25, 2010.
Garner 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 $7M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Apr 11, 2012.
The most significant disaster event on record for Garner was Frost/Freeze on Sep 15, 2011, which caused $2.7M in property damage. Another major event was EF2 Tornado (May 21, 2004), causing $2.5M 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 50438 has experienced 178 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (72 events), blizzards (51 events), floods (30 events), tornadoes (15 events), severe wind events (5 events), extreme cold events (4 events), and extreme heat event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 40% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Garner, IA, with 72 events documented. These events have caused a combined $2.3M in property damage.
Yes, Garner (ZIP 50438) has 30 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $3.1M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Mar 14, 2019.
Garner has 15 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 $9.1M. The most recent tornado was recorded on May 21, 2004.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 50438 was Frost/Freeze, which occurred on Sep 15, 2011. This event caused $2.7M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $23.3M in property damage in the Garner, IA area (ZIP 50438). 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 →