With 329 documented natural disaster events, ZIP code 52501 in Highland Center, IA has a substantial history of natural hazard activity. These include 120 floods, 115 hailstorms, and 38 blizzards. Total documented property damage amounts to $109.4M. These events have resulted in 2 recorded deaths and 64 injuries.
The dominant hazard type for Highland Center is floods, with 120 recorded events making up 36% of the area's disaster history. Of these, 100 (83%) 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 $39.8M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on May 28, 2019.
Hailstorms account for 35% of the disaster record here, with 115 events documented. 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 $1.1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Jun 13, 2024.
There have been 38 recorded blizzards in this area, representing 12% of all disaster events. Of these, 20 (53%) 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 $4.7M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 1, 2015.
There have been 28 recorded severe wind events in this area, representing 9% 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 4/5 (severe). Wind-related events have caused a combined $995K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Dec 15, 2021.
There have been 24 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 7% 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 $58.4M in documented property damage. 2 fatalities have been attributed to tornadoes in this area. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Mar 31, 2023.
Highland Center has experienced 3 extreme cold events on record. Of these, 3 (100%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for cold-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Cold-related events have caused a combined $4.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Apr 11, 2012.
The most significant disaster event on record for Highland Center was EF2 Tornado on May 8, 1988, which caused $25M in property damage. Another major event was EF2 Tornado (May 8, 1988), causing $25M in damages. Flood on Jun 12, 2010 also caused significant damage ($20M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 52501 has experienced 329 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include floods (120 events), hailstorms (115 events), blizzards (38 events), severe wind events (28 events), tornadoes (24 events), extreme cold events (3 events), and extreme heat event (1 event). The primary hazard is floods, which account for 36% of all recorded events.
Floods are the most frequently recorded hazard in Highland Center, IA, with 120 events documented. These events have caused a combined $39.8M in property damage.
Yes, Highland Center (ZIP 52501) has 120 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $39.8M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on May 28, 2019.
Highland Center has 24 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 $58.4M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Mar 31, 2023.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 52501 was EF2 Tornado, which occurred on May 8, 1988. This event caused $25M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 3/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $109.4M in property damage in the Highland Center, IA area (ZIP 52501). 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 →