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51442 Denison, IA — Natural Disaster History

📊 Disaster Profile: Denison, IA (51442)

Federal records document 175 natural disaster events in the Denison, IA area (ZIP 51442). These include 90 hailstorms, 38 blizzards, and 19 floods. Total documented property damage amounts to $19.8M. A total of 1 injury has been reported across all events.

⛈️ Hailstorms — Leading Threat

The dominant hazard type for Denison is hailstorms, with 90 recorded events making up 51% 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 $2.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Jul 15, 2024.

❄️ Blizzards

There have been 38 recorded blizzards in this area, representing 22% of all disaster events. Of these, 20 (53%) 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 $4.8M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 1, 2015.

🌊 Floods

There have been 19 recorded floods in this area, representing 11% of all disaster events. Of these, 13 (68%) 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 Dec 14, 2015.

🌪️ Tornadoes

There have been 17 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 10% 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 $4.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Apr 26, 2024.

💨 Severe wind events

Denison has experienced 7 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $2.5M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Aug 9, 2025.

🥶 Extreme cold events

Denison 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.

Notable Events

The most significant disaster event on record for Denison was 79 mph Thunderstorm Wind on Jul 10, 2002, which caused $2.5M in property damage. Another major event was Frost/Freeze (Oct 10, 2009), causing $2.5M in damages. EF3 Tornado on Apr 26, 1991 also caused significant damage ($2.5M).

📍 Nearby ZIP Codes

Explore disaster history for adjacent areas

Frequently Asked Questions

What natural disasters have occurred in Denison, IA (51442)?

Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 51442 has experienced 175 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (90 events), blizzards (38 events), floods (19 events), tornadoes (17 events), severe wind events (7 events), extreme cold events (3 events), and extreme heat event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 51% of all recorded events.

What is the most common natural hazard in ZIP code 51442?

Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Denison, IA, with 90 events documented. These events have caused a combined $2.3M in property damage.

Is ZIP code 51442 (Denison) prone to flooding?

Yes, Denison (ZIP 51442) has 19 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $1.5M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Dec 14, 2015.

Has Denison (51442) ever been hit by a tornado?

Denison has 17 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 $4.3M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Apr 26, 2024.

What was the worst natural disaster in Denison, IA?

The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 51442 was 79 mph Thunderstorm Wind, which occurred on Jul 10, 2002. This event caused $2.5M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 2/5.

How much property damage have natural disasters caused in ZIP code 51442?

Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $19.8M in property damage in the Denison, IA area (ZIP 51442). 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 →

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