ZIP code 52358, covering West Branch, IA, has 82 natural disaster events in the historical record. These include 43 hailstorms, 21 tornadoes, and 6 blizzards. Total documented property damage amounts to $12M. These events have resulted in 1 recorded death and 22 injuries.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 52% of all recorded events (43 total). Hail-related events have caused a combined $415K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 24, 2024.
There have been 21 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 26% of all disaster events. 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 $5.6M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on May 24, 2024.
West Branch has experienced 6 blizzards on record. Of these, 2 (33%) 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 $1.2M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Jan 10, 2020.
West Branch has experienced 6 severe wind events on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for wind-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Wind-related events have caused a combined $200.5K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on May 21, 2024.
West Branch has experienced 5 floods on record. Of these, 4 (80%) 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 $4.4M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Sep 28, 2016.
West Branch has experienced 1 extreme cold event on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for cold-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Cold-related events have caused a combined $165K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on May 3, 2005.
The most significant disaster event on record for West Branch was Flood on Jun 1, 2008, which caused $3.5M in property damage. Another major event was EF2 Tornado (May 8, 1988), causing $2.5M in damages. Ice Storm on Feb 24, 2007 also caused significant damage ($1M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 52358 has experienced 82 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (43 events), tornadoes (21 events), blizzards (6 events), severe wind events (6 events), floods (5 events), and extreme cold event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 52% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in West Branch, IA, with 43 events documented. These events have caused a combined $415K in property damage.
Yes, West Branch (ZIP 52358) has 5 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $4.4M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Sep 28, 2016.
West Branch has 21 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 $5.6M. The most recent tornado was recorded on May 24, 2024.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 52358 was Flood, which occurred on Jun 1, 2008. This event caused $3.5M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $12M in property damage in the West Branch, IA area (ZIP 52358). 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 →