Gifford, IL (ZIP 61847) has a moderate disaster history with 26 recorded events. These include 11 blizzards, 6 hailstorms, and 6 tornadoes. Total documented property damage amounts to $62.6M. These events have resulted in 10 recorded deaths and 61 injuries.
With 11 recorded incidents (42% of all events), blizzards are the leading natural hazard for this ZIP code. Of these, 4 (36%) 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 $50K in documented property damage. 7 fatalities have been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Jan 10, 2025.
Gifford has experienced 6 hailstorms on record. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Feb 27, 2023.
Gifford has experienced 6 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 $62.6M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on May 20, 2025.
Gifford has experienced 3 extreme cold events on record. 3 fatalities have been attributed to extreme cold events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Jan 20, 2024.
The most significant disaster event on record for Gifford was EF3 Tornado on Nov 17, 2013, which caused $60M in property damage. Another major event was EF2 Tornado (Nov 17, 2013), causing $2.5M in damages.
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 61847 has experienced 26 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include blizzards (11 events), hailstorms (6 events), tornadoes (6 events), and extreme cold events (3 events). The primary hazard is blizzards, which account for 42% of all recorded events.
Blizzards are the most frequently recorded hazard in Gifford, IL, with 11 events documented. These events have caused a combined $50K in property damage.
Gifford has 6 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 $62.6M. The most recent tornado was recorded on May 20, 2025.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 61847 was EF3 Tornado, which occurred on Nov 17, 2013. This event caused $60M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 4/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $62.6M in property damage in the Gifford, IL area (ZIP 61847). 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 →