ZIP code 51638, covering Essex, IA, has 74 natural disaster events in the historical record. These include 47 hailstorms, 12 tornadoes, and 11 severe wind events. Total documented property damage amounts to $4.8M. These events have resulted in 1 recorded death and 1 injury.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 64% of all recorded events (47 total). 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). The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Apr 17, 2025.
There have been 12 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 16% of all disaster events. Tornado-related events have caused a combined $1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Apr 17, 2025.
There have been 11 recorded severe wind events in this area, representing 15% of all disaster events. 1 fatality has been attributed to severe wind events in this area. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Aug 10, 2025.
Essex has experienced 4 floods on record. Of these, 3 (75%) 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 $3.7M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jul 16, 2015.
The most significant disaster event on record for Essex was Flood on Jun 14, 1998, which caused $2M in property damage. Another major event was Flood (May 6, 2007), causing $932K in damages. Flood on Jun 5, 2008 also caused significant damage ($800K).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 51638 has experienced 74 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (47 events), tornadoes (12 events), severe wind events (11 events), and floods (4 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 64% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Essex, IA, with 47 events documented.
Yes, Essex (ZIP 51638) has 4 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $3.7M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jul 16, 2015.
Essex has 12 recorded tornado events 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 $1M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Apr 17, 2025.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 51638 was Flood, which occurred on Jun 14, 1998. This event caused $2M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $4.8M in property damage in the Essex, IA area (ZIP 51638). 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 →