Ralston, IA (ZIP 51459) has experienced 102 recorded natural disaster events based on federal and state agency records. These include 38 blizzards, 34 floods, and 19 hailstorms. Total documented property damage amounts to $32.5M.
The dominant hazard type for Ralston is blizzards, with 38 recorded events making up 37% of the area's disaster history. Of these, 19 (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 $5.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 1, 2015.
There have been 34 recorded floods in this area, representing 33% of all disaster events. Of these, 21 (62%) 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 $2.4M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on May 24, 2019.
There have been 19 recorded hailstorms in this area, representing 19% of all disaster events. Hail-related events have caused a combined $146K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 7, 2023.
Ralston has experienced 5 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $20.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Jul 21, 2008.
Ralston 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.
Ralston has experienced 1 extreme heat event on record. Heat-related events have caused a combined $135K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme heat event occurred on Jul 15, 2011.
The most significant disaster event on record for Ralston was 96 mph Thunderstorm Wind on Jul 10, 2002, which caused $20.1M in property damage. Another major event was Frost/Freeze (Oct 10, 2009), causing $2.5M in damages. Ice Storm on Jan 20, 2010 also caused significant damage ($2M).
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 51459 has experienced 102 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include blizzards (38 events), floods (34 events), hailstorms (19 events), severe wind events (5 events), extreme cold events (3 events), extreme heat event (1 event), tornado (1 event), and wildfire (1 event). The primary hazard is blizzards, which account for 37% of all recorded events.
Blizzards are the most frequently recorded hazard in Ralston, IA, with 38 events documented. These events have caused a combined $5.3M in property damage.
Yes, Ralston (ZIP 51459) has 34 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $2.4M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on May 24, 2019.
Ralston has 1 recorded tornado event 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 $25K. The most recent tornado was recorded on Aug 11, 1976.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 51459 was 96 mph Thunderstorm Wind, which occurred on Jul 10, 2002. This event caused $20.1M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 3/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $32.5M in property damage in the Ralston, IA area (ZIP 51459). 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 →