Wapello, IA (ZIP 52653) has experienced 106 recorded natural disaster events based on federal and state agency records. These include 55 hailstorms, 15 floods, and 15 tornadoes. Total documented property damage amounts to $38.5M. These events have resulted in 5 recorded deaths and 11 injuries.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 52% of all recorded events (55 total). Hail-related events have caused a combined $7.5M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Oct 4, 2024.
There have been 15 recorded floods in this area, representing 14% of all disaster events. Of these, 13 (87%) 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 $11.3M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to floods in this area. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Sep 30, 2016.
There have been 15 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 14% of all disaster events. Of these, 2 (13%) 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 $16.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jun 3, 2025.
There have been 11 recorded severe wind events in this area, representing 10% 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 $2.1M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to severe wind events in this area. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Jun 13, 2024.
Wapello 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 $1.1M in documented property damage. 3 fatalities have been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Dec 3, 2008.
Wapello 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 $264K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on May 3, 2005.
The most significant disaster event on record for Wapello was EF3 Tornado on Jun 1, 2007, which caused $15M in property damage. Another major event was Flash Flood (May 13, 2010), causing $5M in damages. 2.8" Hail on Apr 30, 2003 also caused significant damage ($4M).
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 52653 has experienced 106 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (55 events), floods (15 events), tornadoes (15 events), severe wind events (11 events), blizzards (9 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 Wapello, IA, with 55 events documented. These events have caused a combined $7.5M in property damage.
Yes, Wapello (ZIP 52653) has 15 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $11.3M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Sep 30, 2016.
Wapello has 15 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 $16.3M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jun 3, 2025.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 52653 was EF3 Tornado, which occurred on Jun 1, 2007. This event caused $15M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 4/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $38.5M in property damage in the Wapello, IA area (ZIP 52653). 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 →