Federal records document 81 natural disaster events in the Staples, MN area (ZIP 56479). These include 55 hailstorms, 12 tornadoes, and 10 severe wind events. Total documented property damage amounts to $4.4M. These events have resulted in 1 recorded death and 5 injuries.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 68% of all recorded events (55 total). Hail-related events have caused a combined $10K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Sep 12, 2025.
There have been 12 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 15% 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 4/5 (severe). Tornado-related events have caused a combined $4.3M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to tornadoes in this area. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on May 30, 2022.
Staples has experienced 10 severe wind events on record. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Jul 12, 2015.
Staples has experienced 3 floods on record. Of these, 2 (67%) 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 4/5 (severe). Flood-related events have caused a combined $122K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jun 17, 2018.
Staples has experienced 1 extreme cold event on record. Cold-related events have caused a combined $21K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Mar 8, 2003.
The most significant disaster event on record for Staples was EF3 Tornado on Aug 6, 1969, which caused $2.5M in property damage. Another major event was EF2 Tornado (May 30, 2022), causing $1M in damages.
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 56479 has experienced 81 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (55 events), tornadoes (12 events), severe wind events (10 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 Staples, MN, with 55 events documented. These events have caused a combined $10K in property damage.
Yes, Staples (ZIP 56479) has 3 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $122K in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jun 17, 2018.
Staples has 12 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 $4.3M. The most recent tornado was recorded on May 30, 2022.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 56479 was EF3 Tornado, which occurred on Aug 6, 1969. This event caused $2.5M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 4/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $4.4M in property damage in the Staples, MN area (ZIP 56479). 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 →