Federal records document 172 natural disaster events in the Palo, IA area (ZIP 52324). These include 120 hailstorms, 20 severe wind events, and 13 tornadoes. Total documented property damage amounts to $767.5M. These events have resulted in 6 recorded deaths and 220 injuries.
The dominant hazard type for Palo is hailstorms, with 120 recorded events making up 70% of the area's disaster history. Hail-related events have caused a combined $7M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Aug 15, 2025.
There have been 20 recorded severe wind events in this area, representing 12% of all disaster events. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for wind-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Wind-related events have caused a combined $130K in documented property damage. 3 fatalities have been attributed to severe wind events in this area. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Jul 11, 2025.
There have been 13 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 8% of all disaster events. Of these, 3 (23%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for tornado-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Tornado-related events have caused a combined $5.8M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jul 11, 2025.
Palo has experienced 9 blizzards on record. Of these, 2 (22%) 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 $1M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 13, 2009.
Palo has experienced 8 floods on record. Of these, 3 (38%) 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 $752.2M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to floods in this area. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Sep 26, 2016.
Palo has experienced 2 extreme cold events on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for cold-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Cold-related events have caused a combined $1.4M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to extreme cold events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Dec 18, 2016.
The most significant disaster event on record for Palo was Flood on Jun 1, 2008, which caused $750M in property damage. Another major event was 1.8" Hail (May 10, 2003), causing $3M in damages. EF2 Tornado on Sep 28, 1972 also caused significant damage ($2.5M).
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 52324 has experienced 172 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (120 events), severe wind events (20 events), tornadoes (13 events), blizzards (9 events), floods (8 events), and extreme cold events (2 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 70% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Palo, IA, with 120 events documented. These events have caused a combined $7M in property damage.
Yes, Palo (ZIP 52324) has 8 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $752.2M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Sep 26, 2016.
Palo has 13 recorded tornado events in the historical record. The strongest tornado recorded reached severity level 5/5 on the normalized scale. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $5.8M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jul 11, 2025.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 52324 was Flood, which occurred on Jun 1, 2008. This event caused $750M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $767.5M in property damage in the Palo, IA area (ZIP 52324). 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 →