Federal records document 163 natural disaster events in the Spencer, IA area (ZIP 51301). These include 111 hailstorms, 21 tornadoes, and 17 severe wind events. Total documented property damage amounts to $14.7M. These events have resulted in 1 recorded death and 5 injuries.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 68% of all recorded events (111 total). Of these, 3 (3%) 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 $1.2M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Apr 28, 2025.
There have been 21 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 13% of all disaster events. 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 $1.8M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Dec 15, 2021.
There have been 17 recorded severe wind events in this area, representing 10% of all disaster events. Wind-related events have caused a combined $635K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Jul 28, 2025.
Spencer has experienced 7 blizzards on record. Of these, 4 (57%) 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 $10.1M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Dec 23, 2020.
Spencer has experienced 7 floods on record. Of these, 3 (43%) 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 $880K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Oct 6, 2019.
The most significant disaster event on record for Spencer was Winter Storm on Apr 10, 2013, which caused $10M in property damage. Another major event was Flood (Jun 18, 2014), causing $500K in damages.
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 51301 has experienced 163 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (111 events), tornadoes (21 events), severe wind events (17 events), blizzards (7 events), and floods (7 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 68% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Spencer, IA, with 111 events documented. These events have caused a combined $1.2M in property damage.
Yes, Spencer (ZIP 51301) has 7 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $880K in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Oct 6, 2019.
Spencer has 21 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 $1.8M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Dec 15, 2021.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 51301 was Winter Storm, which occurred on Apr 10, 2013. This event caused $10M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $14.7M in property damage in the Spencer, IA area (ZIP 51301). 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 →