Dorchester, IA (ZIP 52140) has experienced 54 recorded natural disaster events based on federal and state agency records. These include 27 hailstorms, 17 floods, and 7 blizzards. Total documented property damage amounts to $21.3M. These events have resulted in 1 recorded death and 9 injuries.
With 27 recorded incidents (50% of all events), hailstorms are the leading natural hazard for this ZIP code. Hail-related events have caused a combined $2.1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Mar 28, 2025.
There have been 17 recorded floods in this area, representing 31% of all disaster events. Of these, 14 (82%) 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 $19M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jun 24, 2024.
Dorchester has experienced 7 blizzards on record. Winter storm events have caused a combined $47.5K in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Mar 23, 2016.
Dorchester has experienced 2 tornadoes on record. Tornado-related events have caused a combined $85K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Aug 5, 2024.
Dorchester has experienced 1 extreme heat event on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for heat-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Heat-related events have caused a combined $22K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme heat event occurred on Jul 17, 2011.
The most significant disaster event on record for Dorchester was Flash Flood on Jun 7, 2008, which caused $4M in property damage. Another major event was Flash Flood (Jun 7, 2008), causing $3.5M in damages. Flood on May 1, 2001 also caused significant damage ($2.5M).
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 52140 has experienced 54 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (27 events), floods (17 events), blizzards (7 events), tornadoes (2 events), and extreme heat event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 50% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Dorchester, IA, with 27 events documented. These events have caused a combined $2.1M in property damage.
Yes, Dorchester (ZIP 52140) has 17 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $19M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jun 24, 2024.
Dorchester has 2 recorded tornado events in the historical record. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $85K. The most recent tornado was recorded on Aug 5, 2024.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 52140 was Flash Flood, which occurred on Jun 7, 2008. This event caused $4M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $21.3M in property damage in the Dorchester, IA area (ZIP 52140). 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 →