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50470 Rowan, IA — Natural Disaster History

📊 Disaster Profile: Rowan, IA (50470)

Federal records document 104 natural disaster events in the Rowan, IA area (ZIP 50470). These include 43 blizzards, 32 floods, and 15 hailstorms. Total documented property damage amounts to $40.1M. These events have resulted in 8 recorded deaths and 179 injuries.

❄️ Blizzards — Most Frequent Hazard

With 43 recorded incidents (41% of all events), blizzards are the leading natural hazard for this ZIP code. Of these, 19 (44%) 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 $1.8M in documented property damage. 2 fatalities have been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 1, 2015.

🌊 Floods

There have been 32 recorded floods in this area, representing 31% of all disaster events. Of these, 24 (75%) 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 $5.2M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Sep 21, 2018.

⛈️ Hailstorms

There have been 15 recorded hailstorms in this area, representing 14% of all disaster events. Hail-related events have caused a combined $138K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Dec 15, 2021.

🌪️ Tornadoes

Rowan has experienced 6 tornadoes on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for tornado-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Tornado-related events have caused a combined $25.5M in documented property damage. 6 fatalities have been attributed to tornadoes in this area. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Dec 15, 2021.

🥶 Extreme cold events

Rowan 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.

💨 Severe wind events

Rowan has experienced 3 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $255K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Jun 22, 2015.

Notable Events

The most significant disaster event on record for Rowan was EF5 Tornado on Oct 14, 1966, which caused $25M in property damage and was linked to 6 fatalities. Another major event was Frost/Freeze (Sep 15, 2011), causing $2.7M 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 Rowan, IA (50470)?

Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 50470 has experienced 104 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include blizzards (43 events), floods (32 events), hailstorms (15 events), tornadoes (6 events), extreme cold events (4 events), severe wind events (3 events), and extreme heat event (1 event). The primary hazard is blizzards, which account for 41% of all recorded events.

What is the most common natural hazard in ZIP code 50470?

Blizzards are the most frequently recorded hazard in Rowan, IA, with 43 events documented. These events have caused a combined $1.8M in property damage.

Is ZIP code 50470 (Rowan) prone to flooding?

Yes, Rowan (ZIP 50470) has 32 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $5.2M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Sep 21, 2018.

Has Rowan (50470) ever been hit by a tornado?

Rowan has 6 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 $25.5M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Dec 15, 2021.

What was the worst natural disaster in Rowan, IA?

The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 50470 was EF5 Tornado, which occurred on Oct 14, 1966. This event caused $25M in documented property damage. It resulted in 6 reported fatalities. It was rated at severity level 5/5.

How much property damage have natural disasters caused in ZIP code 50470?

Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $40.1M in property damage in the Rowan, IA area (ZIP 50470). 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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