ZIP code 50837, covering Bridgewater, IA, has 139 natural disaster events in the historical record. These include 55 hailstorms, 38 blizzards, and 22 floods. Total documented property damage amounts to $44.6M. These events have resulted in 5 recorded deaths and 38 injuries.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 40% of all recorded events (55 total). 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 $430K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Mar 14, 2025.
There have been 38 recorded blizzards in this area, representing 27% of all disaster events. Of these, 22 (58%) 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 $5.2M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 1, 2015.
There have been 22 recorded floods in this area, representing 16% of all disaster events. Of these, 10 (45%) 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 $1.5M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on May 24, 2019.
There have been 13 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 9% of all disaster events. Of these, 4 (31%) 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 $32.8M in documented property damage. 4 fatalities have been attributed to tornadoes in this area. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on May 21, 2024.
Bridgewater has experienced 6 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $261K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on May 21, 2024.
Bridgewater has experienced 4 extreme cold events on record. Of these, 3 (75%) 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. 1 fatality has been attributed to extreme cold events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Apr 11, 2012.
The most significant disaster event on record for Bridgewater was EF4 Tornado on May 21, 2024, which caused $30M in property damage and was linked to 4 fatalities. Another major event was Heavy Snow (Oct 26, 1997), causing $3.2M in damages. Frost/Freeze on Oct 10, 2009 also caused significant damage ($2.5M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 50837 has experienced 139 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (55 events), blizzards (38 events), floods (22 events), tornadoes (13 events), severe wind events (6 events), extreme cold events (4 events), and extreme heat event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 40% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Bridgewater, IA, with 55 events documented. These events have caused a combined $430K in property damage.
Yes, Bridgewater (ZIP 50837) has 22 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $1.5M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on May 24, 2019.
Bridgewater 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 $32.8M. The most recent tornado was recorded on May 21, 2024.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 50837 was EF4 Tornado, which occurred on May 21, 2024. This event caused $30M in documented property damage. It resulted in 4 reported fatalities. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $44.6M in property damage in the Bridgewater, IA area (ZIP 50837). 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 →