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50579 Rockwell City, IA — Natural Disaster History

📊 Disaster Profile: Rockwell City, IA (50579)

ZIP code 50579, covering Rockwell City, IA, has 190 natural disaster events in the historical record. These include 81 hailstorms, 46 floods, and 41 blizzards. Total documented property damage amounts to $47.2M. These events have resulted in 1 recorded death and 6 injuries.

⛈️ Hailstorms — Primary Hazard

Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 43% of all recorded events (81 total). Of these, 3 (4%) 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 $33.7M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Mar 14, 2025.

🌊 Floods

There have been 46 recorded floods in this area, representing 24% of all disaster events. Of these, 29 (63%) 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 $2.6M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jun 20, 2018.

❄️ Blizzards

There have been 41 recorded blizzards in this area, representing 22% of all disaster events. Of these, 22 (54%) 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 $2.6M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Nov 26, 2015.

🌪️ Tornadoes

There have been 15 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 8% of all disaster events. Of these, 2 (13%) 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 $3.6M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to tornadoes in this area. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Apr 16, 2024.

🥶 Extreme cold events

Rockwell City has experienced 3 extreme cold events on record. Of these, 3 (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 $4.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Apr 11, 2012.

💨 Severe wind events

Rockwell City has experienced 3 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $270K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Aug 10, 2020.

Notable Events

The most significant disaster event on record for Rockwell City was 1.5" Hail on Aug 9, 2009, which caused $15M in property damage. Another major event was 1.2" Hail (Aug 9, 2009), causing $15M 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 Rockwell City, IA (50579)?

Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 50579 has experienced 190 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (81 events), floods (46 events), blizzards (41 events), tornadoes (15 events), extreme cold events (3 events), severe wind events (3 events), and extreme heat event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 43% of all recorded events.

What is the most common natural hazard in ZIP code 50579?

Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Rockwell City, IA, with 81 events documented. These events have caused a combined $33.7M in property damage.

Is ZIP code 50579 (Rockwell City) prone to flooding?

Yes, Rockwell City (ZIP 50579) has 46 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $2.6M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jun 20, 2018.

Has Rockwell City (50579) ever been hit by a tornado?

Rockwell City 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 $3.6M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Apr 16, 2024.

What was the worst natural disaster in Rockwell City, IA?

The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 50579 was 1.5" Hail, which occurred on Aug 9, 2009. This event caused $15M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 2/5.

How much property damage have natural disasters caused in ZIP code 50579?

Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $47.2M in property damage in the Rockwell City, IA area (ZIP 50579). 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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