Government records show 203 natural disaster events affecting the Independence, MO area (ZIP 64055) — a notably active disaster history. These include 152 hailstorms, 21 extreme heat events, and 15 severe wind events. Total documented property damage amounts to $20.1M. These events have resulted in 67 recorded deaths and 9 injuries.
The dominant hazard type for Independence is hailstorms, with 152 recorded events making up 75% of the area's disaster history. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for hail-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Hail-related events have caused a combined $1.7M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Sep 16, 2025.
There have been 21 recorded extreme heat events in this area, representing 10% of all disaster events. Of these, 12 (57%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for heat-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). 61 fatalities have been attributed to extreme heat events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme heat event occurred on Jun 10, 2015.
There have been 15 recorded severe wind events in this area, representing 7% of all disaster events. Wind-related events have caused a combined $1.1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on May 25, 2024.
Independence has experienced 7 blizzards on record. Of these, 3 (43%) 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 $17M in documented property damage. 4 fatalities have been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Nov 15, 2022.
Independence has experienced 6 tornadoes on record. Tornado-related events have caused a combined $277.5K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jun 3, 2025.
Independence has experienced 2 extreme cold events on record. 2 fatalities have been attributed to extreme cold events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Jan 12, 2018.
The most significant disaster event on record for Independence was Ice Storm on Jan 30, 2002, which caused $15M in property damage. Another major event was Winter Weather (Feb 15, 2019), causing $1M in damages. 5.5" Hail on Sep 18, 2010 also caused significant damage ($1M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 64055 has experienced 203 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (152 events), extreme heat events (21 events), severe wind events (15 events), blizzards (7 events), tornadoes (6 events), and extreme cold events (2 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 75% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Independence, MO, with 152 events documented. These events have caused a combined $1.7M in property damage.
Independence has 6 recorded tornado events in the historical record. The strongest tornado recorded reached severity level 3/5 on the normalized scale. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $277.5K. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jun 3, 2025.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 64055 was Ice Storm, which occurred on Jan 30, 2002. This event caused $15M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $20.1M in property damage in the Independence, MO area (ZIP 64055). 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 →