Government agency data shows 41 natural disaster events for ZIP 52169 in Wadena, IA. These include 22 hailstorms, 9 blizzards, and 6 floods. Total documented property damage amounts to $38.3M. These events have resulted in 4 recorded deaths and 25 injuries.
The dominant hazard type for Wadena is hailstorms, with 22 recorded events making up 54% of the area's disaster history. Hail-related events have caused a combined $8.2M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Jul 12, 2017.
Wadena has experienced 9 blizzards on record. Of these, 4 (44%) 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 $399.5K in documented property damage. 2 fatalities have been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Jan 14, 2024.
Wadena has experienced 6 floods on record. Of these, 4 (67%) 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 $4.6M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Sep 20, 2018.
Wadena has experienced 2 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $35K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Jun 30, 2014.
Wadena has experienced 1 extreme heat event on record. Heat-related events have caused a combined $27K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme heat event occurred on Jul 17, 2011.
Wadena has experienced 1 tornado 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 $25M in documented property damage. 2 fatalities have been attributed to tornadoes in this area. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on May 30, 1985.
The most significant disaster event on record for Wadena was EF3 Tornado on May 30, 1985, which caused $25M in property damage and was linked to 2 fatalities. Another major event was 2" Hail (Jul 24, 2009), causing $4.8M in damages. 1.8" Hail on Jul 24, 2009 also caused significant damage ($3.1M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 52169 has experienced 41 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (22 events), blizzards (9 events), floods (6 events), severe wind events (2 events), extreme heat event (1 event), and tornado (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 54% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Wadena, IA, with 22 events documented. These events have caused a combined $8.2M in property damage.
Yes, Wadena (ZIP 52169) has 6 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $4.6M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Sep 20, 2018.
Wadena has 1 recorded tornado event 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 $25M. The most recent tornado was recorded on May 30, 1985.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 52169 was EF3 Tornado, which occurred on May 30, 1985. This event caused $25M in documented property damage. It resulted in 2 reported fatalities. It was rated at severity level 4/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $38.3M in property damage in the Wadena, IA area (ZIP 52169). 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 →