ZIP code 51038, covering Merrill, IA, has 96 natural disaster events in the historical record. These include 76 hailstorms, 9 tornadoes, and 6 blizzards. Total documented property damage amounts to $10.3M. These events have resulted in 4 recorded deaths and 3 injuries.
With 76 recorded incidents (79% of all events), hailstorms are the leading natural hazard for this ZIP code. 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 $5.6M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Jun 14, 2025.
Merrill has experienced 9 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 4/5 (severe). Tornado-related events have caused a combined $3.1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Oct 4, 2013.
Merrill has experienced 6 blizzards on record. Of these, 3 (50%) 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 $242.7K in documented property damage. 4 fatalities have been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Nov 9, 2020.
Merrill has experienced 3 severe wind events on record. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Aug 1, 2006.
Merrill has experienced 2 floods on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for flood-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Flood-related events have caused a combined $1.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Sep 16, 2019.
The most significant disaster event on record for Merrill was 1" Hail on Jun 22, 2021, which caused $5.2M in property damage. Another major event was EF1 Tornado (Jun 6, 1980), causing $2.5M in damages. Flood on Jun 19, 1996 also caused significant damage ($1.3M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 51038 has experienced 96 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (76 events), tornadoes (9 events), blizzards (6 events), severe wind events (3 events), and floods (2 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 79% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Merrill, IA, with 76 events documented. These events have caused a combined $5.6M in property damage.
Yes, Merrill (ZIP 51038) has 2 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $1.3M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Sep 16, 2019.
Merrill has 9 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 $3.1M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Oct 4, 2013.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 51038 was 1" Hail, which occurred on Jun 22, 2021. This event caused $5.2M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 2/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $10.3M in property damage in the Merrill, IA area (ZIP 51038). 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 →