Government agency data shows 41 natural disaster events for ZIP 57421 in Amherst, SD. These include 31 hailstorms, 3 blizzards, and 3 tornadoes. Total documented property damage amounts to $611.5K. These events have resulted in 2 recorded deaths and 1 injury.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 76% of all recorded events (31 total). The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Aug 15, 2025.
Amherst has experienced 3 blizzards on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for winter storm events here is 5/5 (extreme). Winter storm events have caused a combined $289K in documented property damage. 2 fatalities have been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Mar 14, 2023.
Amherst has experienced 3 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 $2.5K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jun 7, 2005.
Amherst has experienced 3 severe wind events on record. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Jul 17, 2015.
Amherst has experienced 1 flood on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for flood-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Flood-related events have caused a combined $320K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on May 11, 1998.
The most significant disaster event on record for Amherst was Flood on May 11, 1998, which caused $320K in property damage. Another major event was Ice Storm (Dec 25, 2016), causing $289K in damages.
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 57421 has experienced 41 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (31 events), blizzards (3 events), tornadoes (3 events), severe wind events (3 events), and flood (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 76% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Amherst, SD, with 31 events documented.
Yes, Amherst (ZIP 57421) has 1 recorded flood event. These floods have caused $320K in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on May 11, 1998.
Amherst has 3 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 $2.5K. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jun 7, 2005.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 57421 was Flood, which occurred on May 11, 1998. This event caused $320K in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $611.5K in property damage in the Amherst, SD area (ZIP 57421). 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 →