Federal records document 133 natural disaster events in the Independence, IA area (ZIP 50644). These include 77 hailstorms, 18 tornadoes, and 18 severe wind events. Total documented property damage amounts to $45.1M. A total of 9 injuries have been reported across all events.
The dominant hazard type for Independence is hailstorms, with 77 recorded events making up 58% of the area's disaster history. 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 $4.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 27, 2024.
There have been 18 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 14% of all disaster events. Of these, 3 (17%) 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 4/5 (severe). Tornado-related events have caused a combined $5.6M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Apr 16, 2024.
There have been 18 recorded severe wind events in this area, representing 14% of all disaster events. Wind-related events have caused a combined $550K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Jul 29, 2025.
There have been 11 recorded floods in this area, representing 8% of all disaster events. Of these, 8 (73%) 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 $33.4M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jul 23, 2017.
Independence has experienced 8 blizzards on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for winter storm events here is 5/5 (extreme). Winter storm events have caused a combined $788K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 24, 2007.
Independence has experienced 1 extreme cold event on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for cold-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Cold-related events have caused a combined $412.5K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on May 3, 2005.
The most significant disaster event on record for Independence was Flood on Jul 23, 2010, which caused $26M in property damage. Another major event was Flood (Jun 1, 2008), causing $3.1M in damages. Flash Flood on Jul 23, 2016 also caused significant damage ($2.5M).
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 50644 has experienced 133 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (77 events), tornadoes (18 events), severe wind events (18 events), floods (11 events), blizzards (8 events), and extreme cold event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 58% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Independence, IA, with 77 events documented. These events have caused a combined $4.3M in property damage.
Yes, Independence (ZIP 50644) has 11 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $33.4M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jul 23, 2017.
Independence has 18 recorded tornado events in the historical record. The strongest tornado recorded reached severity level 4/5 on the normalized scale. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $5.6M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Apr 16, 2024.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 50644 was Flood, which occurred on Jul 23, 2010. This event caused $26M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $45.1M in property damage in the Independence, IA area (ZIP 50644). 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 →