Federal records document 124 natural disaster events in the West Frankfort, IL area (ZIP 62896). These include 62 hailstorms, 18 floods, and 12 blizzards. Total documented property damage amounts to $13.4M. These events have resulted in 5 recorded deaths and 33 injuries.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 50% of all recorded events (62 total). Of these, 2 (3%) 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 4/5 (severe). Hail-related events have caused a combined $325K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Sep 14, 2025.
There have been 18 recorded floods in this area, representing 15% of all disaster events. Of these, 9 (50%) 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 $2.4M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jul 19, 2025.
There have been 12 recorded blizzards in this area, representing 10% of all disaster events. Of these, 8 (67%) 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 $425K in documented property damage. 2 fatalities have been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Jan 5, 2025.
There have been 11 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 9% 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 5/5 (extreme). Tornado-related events have caused a combined $3.7M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Dec 5, 2021.
There have been 11 recorded severe wind events in this area, representing 9% of all disaster events. Wind-related events have caused a combined $6.5M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Oct 19, 2025.
West Frankfort has experienced 6 extreme cold events on record. Cold-related events have caused a combined $30K in documented property damage. 2 fatalities have been attributed to extreme cold events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Feb 20, 2025.
The most significant disaster event on record for West Frankfort was 85 mph Thunderstorm Wind on May 8, 2009, which caused $6M in property damage. Another major event was EF4 Tornado (Dec 18, 1957), causing $2.5M in damages. Flood on Mar 18, 2008 also caused significant damage ($1.5M).
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 62896 has experienced 124 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (62 events), floods (18 events), blizzards (12 events), tornadoes (11 events), severe wind events (11 events), extreme cold events (6 events), earthquakes (2 events), and extreme heat events (2 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 50% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in West Frankfort, IL, with 62 events documented. These events have caused a combined $325K in property damage.
Yes, West Frankfort (ZIP 62896) has 18 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $2.4M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jul 19, 2025.
West Frankfort has 11 recorded tornado events in the historical record. The strongest tornado recorded reached severity level 5/5 on the normalized scale. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $3.7M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Dec 5, 2021.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 62896 was 85 mph Thunderstorm Wind, which occurred on May 8, 2009. This event caused $6M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 2/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $13.4M in property damage in the West Frankfort, IL area (ZIP 62896). 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 →