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50597 West Bend, IA — Natural Disaster History

📊 Disaster Profile: West Bend, IA (50597)

ZIP code 50597, covering West Bend, IA, has 139 natural disaster events in the historical record. These include 48 hailstorms, 45 blizzards, and 26 floods. Total documented property damage amounts to $33.2M. A total of 2 injuries have been reported across all events.

⛈️ Hailstorms — Primary Hazard

Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 35% of all recorded events (48 total). One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for hail-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Hail-related events have caused a combined $513K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Jul 6, 2024.

❄️ Blizzards

There have been 45 recorded blizzards in this area, representing 32% of all disaster events. Of these, 24 (53%) 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 $1.6M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 1, 2015.

🌊 Floods

There have been 26 recorded floods in this area, representing 19% of all disaster events. Of these, 15 (58%) 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 $22.1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jul 4, 2019.

🌪️ Tornadoes

West Bend has experienced 10 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 $4.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Sep 4, 2018.

💨 Severe wind events

West Bend has experienced 6 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 Jul 28, 2025.

🥶 Extreme cold events

West Bend 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.

Notable Events

The most significant disaster event on record for West Bend was Flood on Jun 12, 2010, which caused $20M in property damage. Another major event was Frost/Freeze (Oct 10, 2009), causing $2.5M in damages. EF2 Tornado on Jul 19, 1980 also caused significant damage ($2.5M).

📍 Nearby ZIP Codes

Explore disaster history for adjacent areas

Frequently Asked Questions

What natural disasters have occurred in West Bend, IA (50597)?

Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 50597 has experienced 139 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (48 events), blizzards (45 events), floods (26 events), tornadoes (10 events), severe wind events (6 events), extreme cold events (3 events), and extreme heat event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 35% of all recorded events.

What is the most common natural hazard in ZIP code 50597?

Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in West Bend, IA, with 48 events documented. These events have caused a combined $513K in property damage.

Is ZIP code 50597 (West Bend) prone to flooding?

Yes, West Bend (ZIP 50597) has 26 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $22.1M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jul 4, 2019.

Has West Bend (50597) ever been hit by a tornado?

West Bend has 10 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 $4.3M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Sep 4, 2018.

What was the worst natural disaster in West Bend, IA?

The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 50597 was Flood, which occurred on Jun 12, 2010. This event caused $20M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.

How much property damage have natural disasters caused in ZIP code 50597?

Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $33.2M in property damage in the West Bend, IA area (ZIP 50597). 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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