Government records show 219 natural disaster events affecting the Lawrence, KS area (ZIP 66047) — a notably active disaster history. These include 158 hailstorms, 22 severe wind events, and 16 tornadoes. Total documented property damage amounts to $51.5M. These events have resulted in 2 recorded deaths and 74 injuries.
With 158 recorded incidents (72% of all events), hailstorms are the leading natural hazard for this ZIP code. Of these, 2 (1%) 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 $5M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Jul 14, 2023.
There have been 22 recorded severe wind events in this area, representing 10% of all disaster events. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for wind-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Wind-related events have caused a combined $8.1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Jul 31, 2024.
There have been 16 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 7% of all disaster events. Of these, 5 (31%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for tornado-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Tornado-related events have caused a combined $35.8M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to tornadoes in this area. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on May 28, 2019.
There have been 12 recorded floods in this area, representing 5% of all disaster events. Of these, 10 (83%) 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 $1.1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Aug 1, 2019.
Lawrence 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 $1M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Dec 9, 2008.
Lawrence has experienced 3 extreme heat events 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 heat-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). The most recent recorded extreme heat event occurred on Jul 14, 2011.
The most significant disaster event on record for Lawrence was EF3 Tornado on Jun 19, 1981, which caused $25M in property damage and was linked to 1 fatality. Another major event was 90 mph Thunderstorm Wind (Mar 12, 2006), causing $8M in damages. EF2 Tornado on May 8, 2003 also caused significant damage ($6.4M).
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 66047 has experienced 219 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (158 events), severe wind events (22 events), tornadoes (16 events), floods (12 events), blizzards (7 events), extreme heat events (3 events), and extreme cold event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 72% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Lawrence, KS, with 158 events documented. These events have caused a combined $5M in property damage.
Yes, Lawrence (ZIP 66047) has 12 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $1.1M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Aug 1, 2019.
Lawrence has 16 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 $35.8M. The most recent tornado was recorded on May 28, 2019.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 66047 was EF3 Tornado, which occurred on Jun 19, 1981. This event caused $25M in documented property damage. It resulted in 1 reported fatality. It was rated at severity level 4/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $51.5M in property damage in the Lawrence, KS area (ZIP 66047). 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 →