Milwaukee, WI (ZIP 53217) has experienced 74 recorded natural disaster events based on federal and state agency records. These include 35 hailstorms, 21 floods, and 8 blizzards. Total documented property damage amounts to $118.1M. These events have resulted in 4 recorded deaths and 4 injuries.
The dominant hazard type for Milwaukee is hailstorms, with 35 recorded events making up 47% 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 $6M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Jun 29, 2023.
There have been 21 recorded floods in this area, representing 28% of all disaster events. Of these, 9 (43%) 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 $111.4M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to floods in this area. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Aug 11, 2025.
Milwaukee 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.
Milwaukee has experienced 5 tornadoes on record. Tornado-related events have caused a combined $527.5K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Aug 17, 1985.
Milwaukee has experienced 3 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $45K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on May 28, 2016.
Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee was Flash Flood on Jun 8, 2008, which caused $78M in property damage. Another major event was Flash Flood (Jul 22, 2010), causing $24.1M in damages. Flood on Jun 1, 2004 also caused significant damage ($6M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 53217 has experienced 74 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (35 events), floods (21 events), blizzards (8 events), tornadoes (5 events), severe wind events (3 events), extreme cold event (1 event), and extreme heat event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 47% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Milwaukee, WI, with 35 events documented. These events have caused a combined $6M in property damage.
Yes, Milwaukee (ZIP 53217) has 21 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $111.4M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Aug 11, 2025.
Milwaukee has 5 recorded tornado events in the historical record. The strongest tornado recorded reached severity level 3/5 on the normalized scale. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $527.5K. The most recent tornado was recorded on Aug 17, 1985.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 53217 was Flash Flood, which occurred on Jun 8, 2008. This event caused $78M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $118.1M in property damage in the Milwaukee, WI area (ZIP 53217). 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 →