Federal records document 104 natural disaster events in the Oelwein, IA area (ZIP 50662). These include 52 hailstorms, 21 floods, and 13 tornadoes. Total documented property damage amounts to $46.9M. These events have resulted in 7 recorded deaths and 163 injuries.
The dominant hazard type for Oelwein is hailstorms, with 52 recorded events making up 50% 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 5/5 (extreme). Hail-related events have caused a combined $1.4M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Jun 11, 2025.
There have been 21 recorded floods in this area, representing 20% of all disaster events. Of these, 16 (76%) 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 $13.4M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jun 9, 2020.
There have been 13 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 13% of all disaster events. Of these, 3 (23%) 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 $31.5M in documented property damage. 5 fatalities have been attributed to tornadoes in this area. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Mar 28, 2020.
Oelwein has experienced 9 blizzards on record. Of these, 4 (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 $399.5K in documented property damage. 2 fatalities have been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Jan 14, 2024.
Oelwein has experienced 8 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $117K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on May 21, 2024.
Oelwein has experienced 1 extreme heat event on record. Heat-related events have caused a combined $27K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme heat event occurred on Jul 17, 2011.
The most significant disaster event on record for Oelwein was EF5 Tornado on May 15, 1968, which caused $25M in property damage and was linked to 5 fatalities. Another major event was Flood (Jun 7, 2008), causing $5.3M in damages. Flood on May 17, 1999 also caused significant damage ($2.8M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 50662 has experienced 104 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (52 events), floods (21 events), tornadoes (13 events), blizzards (9 events), severe wind events (8 events), and extreme heat event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 50% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Oelwein, IA, with 52 events documented. These events have caused a combined $1.4M in property damage.
Yes, Oelwein (ZIP 50662) has 21 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $13.4M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jun 9, 2020.
Oelwein has 13 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 $31.5M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Mar 28, 2020.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 50662 was EF5 Tornado, which occurred on May 15, 1968. This event caused $25M in documented property damage. It resulted in 5 reported fatalities. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $46.9M in property damage in the Oelwein, IA area (ZIP 50662). 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 →