Federal records document 103 natural disaster events in the Waukesha, WI area (ZIP 53188). These include 59 hailstorms, 17 floods, and 11 tornadoes. Total documented property damage amounts to $32M. These events have resulted in 5 recorded deaths and 17 injuries.
The dominant hazard type for Waukesha is hailstorms, with 59 recorded events making up 57% of the area's disaster history. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for hail-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Hail-related events have caused a combined $4.4M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 15, 2025.
There have been 17 recorded floods in this area, representing 17% of all disaster events. Of these, 7 (41%) 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 $7.6M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to floods in this area. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Sep 11, 2022.
There have been 11 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 11% 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 5/5 (extreme). Tornado-related events have caused a combined $10.9M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to tornadoes in this area. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jul 29, 2021.
Waukesha has experienced 8 blizzards on record. Of these, 2 (25%) 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 $161K in documented property damage. 2 fatalities have been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Jan 12, 2024.
Waukesha has experienced 6 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $8.8M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Sep 2, 2010.
Waukesha has experienced 1 extreme cold event on record. Cold-related events have caused a combined $3K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Feb 5, 2007.
The most significant disaster event on record for Waukesha was 81 mph Thunderstorm Wind on May 31, 1998, which caused $6.8M in property damage. Another major event was Flood (Jun 1, 2004), causing $6M in damages. 2" Hail on Apr 13, 2006 also caused significant damage ($4.4M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 53188 has experienced 103 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (59 events), floods (17 events), tornadoes (11 events), blizzards (8 events), severe wind events (6 events), extreme cold event (1 event), and extreme heat event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 57% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Waukesha, WI, with 59 events documented. These events have caused a combined $4.4M in property damage.
Yes, Waukesha (ZIP 53188) has 17 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $7.6M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Sep 11, 2022.
Waukesha has 11 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 $10.9M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jul 29, 2021.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 53188 was 81 mph Thunderstorm Wind, which occurred on May 31, 1998. This event caused $6.8M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 2/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $32M in property damage in the Waukesha, WI area (ZIP 53188). 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 →