⚠️ This is an independent informational resource. Data is provided for informational purposes only. Full disclaimer →

52161 Ossian, IA — Natural Disaster History

📊 Disaster Profile: Ossian, IA (52161)

Ossian, IA (ZIP 52161) has experienced 78 recorded natural disaster events based on federal and state agency records. These include 45 hailstorms, 14 floods, and 8 tornadoes. Total documented property damage amounts to $26.4M. These events have resulted in 3 recorded deaths and 14 injuries.

⛈️ Hailstorms — Most Frequent Hazard

With 45 recorded incidents (58% of all events), hailstorms are the leading natural hazard for this ZIP code. 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 $16.7M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Aug 16, 2025.

🌊 Floods

There have been 14 recorded floods in this area, representing 18% of all disaster events. Of these, 8 (57%) 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 $5.9M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Aug 18, 2025.

🌪️ Tornadoes

Ossian has experienced 8 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 $3.6M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to tornadoes in this area. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jun 12, 1990.

❄️ Blizzards

Ossian has experienced 7 blizzards on record. Of these, 3 (43%) 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 $102.5K in documented property damage. 2 fatalities have been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 3, 2018.

💨 Severe wind events

Ossian has experienced 3 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $98K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on May 15, 2017.

🥵 Extreme heat events

Ossian has experienced 1 extreme heat event on record. Heat-related events have caused a combined $35K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme heat event occurred on Jul 17, 2011.

Notable Events

The most significant disaster event on record for Ossian was 1.8" Hail on Jul 24, 2009, which caused $3.1M in property damage. Another major event was 2.8" Hail (Jul 24, 2009), causing $2.9M in damages. 2" Hail on Jul 24, 2009 also caused significant damage ($2.8M).

📍 Nearby ZIP Codes

Explore disaster history for adjacent areas

Frequently Asked Questions

What natural disasters have occurred in Ossian, IA (52161)?

Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 52161 has experienced 78 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (45 events), floods (14 events), tornadoes (8 events), blizzards (7 events), severe wind events (3 events), and extreme heat event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 58% of all recorded events.

What is the most common natural hazard in ZIP code 52161?

Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Ossian, IA, with 45 events documented. These events have caused a combined $16.7M in property damage.

Is ZIP code 52161 (Ossian) prone to flooding?

Yes, Ossian (ZIP 52161) has 14 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $5.9M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Aug 18, 2025.

Has Ossian (52161) ever been hit by a tornado?

Ossian has 8 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 $3.6M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jun 12, 1990.

What was the worst natural disaster in Ossian, IA?

The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 52161 was 1.8" Hail, which occurred on Jul 24, 2009. This event caused $3.1M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 2/5.

How much property damage have natural disasters caused in ZIP code 52161?

Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $26.4M in property damage in the Ossian, IA area (ZIP 52161). 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 →

Facebook WhatsApp Report Issue