Government records show 216 natural disaster events affecting the Waterloo, IA area (ZIP 50702) — a notably active disaster history. These include 83 hailstorms, 69 floods, and 42 blizzards. Total documented property damage amounts to $44.5M. These events have resulted in 1 recorded death and 27 injuries.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 38% of all recorded events (83 total). Of these, 5 (6%) 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 $827K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Sep 16, 2025.
Floods account for 32% of the disaster record here, with 69 events documented. Of these, 57 (83%) 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 $9.8M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on May 29, 2019.
There have been 42 recorded blizzards in this area, representing 19% of all disaster events. Of these, 19 (45%) 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 $3.7M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 1, 2015.
There have been 11 recorded severe wind events in this area, representing 5% of all disaster events. Wind-related events have caused a combined $488K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Jul 29, 2025.
Waterloo has experienced 6 tornadoes on record. Tornado-related events have caused a combined $25.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jun 16, 1992.
Waterloo 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.
The most significant disaster event on record for Waterloo was EF2 Tornado on May 7, 1964, which caused $25M in property damage. Another major event was Frost/Freeze (Oct 10, 2009), causing $2.5M in damages. Winter Storm on Feb 24, 2007 also caused significant damage ($2.5M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 50702 has experienced 216 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (83 events), floods (69 events), blizzards (42 events), severe wind events (11 events), tornadoes (6 events), extreme cold events (3 events), and extreme heat events (2 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 38% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Waterloo, IA, with 83 events documented. These events have caused a combined $827K in property damage.
Yes, Waterloo (ZIP 50702) has 69 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $9.8M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on May 29, 2019.
Waterloo has 6 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 $25.3M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jun 16, 1992.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 50702 was EF2 Tornado, which occurred on May 7, 1964. This event caused $25M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 3/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $44.5M in property damage in the Waterloo, IA area (ZIP 50702). 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 →