ZIP code 52649, covering Salem, IA, has 57 natural disaster events in the historical record. These include 25 hailstorms, 14 floods, and 9 tornadoes. Total documented property damage amounts to $6.4M. These events have resulted in 2 recorded deaths and 3 injuries.
The dominant hazard type for Salem is hailstorms, with 25 recorded events making up 44% of the area's disaster history. Hail-related events have caused a combined $77K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Jun 13, 2024.
There have been 14 recorded floods in this area, representing 25% of all disaster events. Of these, 14 (100%) 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 $4.8M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jun 15, 2011.
Salem has experienced 9 tornadoes 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 tornado-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Tornado-related events have caused a combined $895K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Apr 16, 2024.
Salem has experienced 6 blizzards on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for winter storm events here is 5/5 (extreme). Winter storm events have caused a combined $146K in documented property damage. 2 fatalities have been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 1, 2011.
Salem has experienced 2 severe wind events on record. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on May 7, 2023.
Salem 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 $495K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on May 3, 2005.
The most significant disaster event on record for Salem was Flood on Sep 13, 2008, which caused $1M in property damage. Another major event was Flood (Sep 13, 2008), causing $1M in damages.
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 52649 has experienced 57 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (25 events), floods (14 events), tornadoes (9 events), blizzards (6 events), severe wind events (2 events), and extreme cold event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 44% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Salem, IA, with 25 events documented. These events have caused a combined $77K in property damage.
Yes, Salem (ZIP 52649) has 14 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $4.8M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jun 15, 2011.
Salem has 9 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 $895K. The most recent tornado was recorded on Apr 16, 2024.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 52649 was Flood, which occurred on Sep 13, 2008. This event caused $1M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $6.4M in property damage in the Salem, IA area (ZIP 52649). 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 →