Federal records document 136 natural disaster events in the Lewis, IA area (ZIP 51544). These include 59 hailstorms, 39 blizzards, and 18 floods. Total documented property damage amounts to $17.4M. These events have resulted in 1 recorded death and 2 injuries.
The dominant hazard type for Lewis is hailstorms, with 59 recorded events making up 43% of the area's disaster history. Of these, 2 (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 4/5 (severe). Hail-related events have caused a combined $1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Jun 15, 2025.
There have been 39 recorded blizzards in this area, representing 29% of all disaster events. Of these, 20 (51%) 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 $5.7M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 1, 2015.
There have been 18 recorded floods in this area, representing 13% of all disaster events. Of these, 14 (78%) 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 $4.5M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jun 3, 2014.
Lewis has experienced 10 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 $817.5K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Dec 15, 2021.
Lewis has experienced 6 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $930K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on May 22, 2004.
Lewis 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.
The most significant disaster event on record for Lewis was Heavy Snow on Oct 26, 1997, which caused $3.2M in property damage. Another major event was Flood (Jun 14, 1998), causing $2.7M in damages. Frost/Freeze on Oct 10, 2009 also caused significant damage ($2.5M).
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 51544 has experienced 136 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (59 events), blizzards (39 events), floods (18 events), tornadoes (10 events), severe wind events (6 events), extreme cold events (3 events), and extreme heat event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 43% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Lewis, IA, with 59 events documented. These events have caused a combined $1M in property damage.
Yes, Lewis (ZIP 51544) has 18 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $4.5M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jun 3, 2014.
Lewis has 10 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 $817.5K. The most recent tornado was recorded on Dec 15, 2021.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 51544 was Heavy Snow, which occurred on Oct 26, 1997. This event caused $3.2M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $17.4M in property damage in the Lewis, IA area (ZIP 51544). 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 →