ZIP code 50477, covering Swaledale, IA, has 100 natural disaster events in the historical record. These include 46 blizzards, 21 hailstorms, and 20 floods. Total documented property damage amounts to $12M.
With 46 recorded incidents (46% of all events), blizzards are the leading natural hazard for this ZIP code. Of these, 21 (46%) 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 $2M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 1, 2015.
There have been 21 recorded hailstorms in this area, representing 21% of all disaster events. Hail-related events have caused a combined $114K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Sep 16, 2025.
There have been 20 recorded floods in this area, representing 20% of all disaster events. Of these, 16 (80%) 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 $2.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Sep 21, 2016.
Swaledale has experienced 5 tornadoes on record. Tornado-related events have caused a combined $217K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jun 27, 1998.
Swaledale 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.
Swaledale has experienced 3 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $265K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on May 14, 2013.
The most significant disaster event on record for Swaledale was Frost/Freeze on Sep 15, 2011, which caused $2.7M in property damage. Another major event was Frost/Freeze (Oct 10, 2009), causing $2.5M in damages. Frost/Freeze on Apr 11, 2012 also caused significant damage ($1.5M).
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 50477 has experienced 100 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include blizzards (46 events), hailstorms (21 events), floods (20 events), tornadoes (5 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 46% of all recorded events.
Blizzards are the most frequently recorded hazard in Swaledale, IA, with 46 events documented. These events have caused a combined $2M in property damage.
Yes, Swaledale (ZIP 50477) has 20 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $2.3M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Sep 21, 2016.
Swaledale has 5 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 $217K. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jun 27, 1998.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 50477 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 $12M in property damage in the Swaledale, IA area (ZIP 50477). 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 →