Altoona, WI (ZIP 54720) has experienced 69 recorded natural disaster events based on federal and state agency records. These include 47 hailstorms, 8 tornadoes, and 6 severe wind events. Total documented property damage amounts to $14.6M. These events have resulted in 4 recorded deaths and 25 injuries.
The dominant hazard type for Altoona is hailstorms, with 47 recorded events making up 68% of the area's disaster history. Of these, 2 (4%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for hail-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Hail-related events have caused a combined $25K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 15, 2025.
Altoona has experienced 8 tornadoes on record. 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 $10.3M in documented property damage. 3 fatalities have been attributed to tornadoes in this area. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jul 3, 1983.
Altoona has experienced 6 severe wind events on record. 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 $500K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on May 19, 1996.
Altoona has experienced 4 blizzards on record. Of these, 4 (100%) 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 $3.5M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 10, 2019.
Altoona has experienced 3 floods 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 flood-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Flood-related events have caused a combined $250K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jun 26, 2013.
Altoona has experienced 1 extreme cold event on record. 1 fatality has been attributed to extreme cold events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Feb 1, 1996.
The most significant disaster event on record for Altoona was Winter Storm on Mar 22, 2011, which caused $3M in property damage. Another major event was EF2 Tornado (Jul 15, 1980), causing $2.5M in damages. EF3 Tornado on Jul 15, 1980 also caused significant damage ($2.5M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 54720 has experienced 69 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (47 events), tornadoes (8 events), severe wind events (6 events), blizzards (4 events), floods (3 events), and extreme cold event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 68% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Altoona, WI, with 47 events documented. These events have caused a combined $25K in property damage.
Yes, Altoona (ZIP 54720) has 3 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $250K in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jun 26, 2013.
Altoona has 8 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 $10.3M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jul 3, 1983.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 54720 was Winter Storm, which occurred on Mar 22, 2011. This event caused $3M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $14.6M in property damage in the Altoona, WI area (ZIP 54720). 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 →