Government records show 391 natural disaster events affecting the Topeka, KS area (ZIP 66617) — a notably active disaster history. These include 291 hailstorms, 51 severe wind events, and 19 tornadoes. Total documented property damage amounts to $21.7M. These events have resulted in 7 recorded deaths and 98 injuries.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 74% of all recorded events (291 total). Of these, 3 (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 5/5 (extreme). Hail-related events have caused a combined $1.2M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Apr 23, 2025.
Severe wind events account for 13% of the disaster record here, with 51 events documented. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Aug 14, 2024.
There have been 19 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 5% of all disaster events. Of these, 2 (11%) 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 $7.4M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jun 5, 1996.
There have been 15 recorded blizzards in this area, representing 4% of all disaster events. Of these, 7 (47%) 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 $4.5M in documented property damage. 7 fatalities have been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 20, 2010.
There have been 14 recorded floods in this area, representing 4% of all disaster events. Of these, 8 (57%) 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 $8.6M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on May 7, 2007.
Topeka has experienced 1 extreme heat event on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 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 Aug 1, 2000.
The most significant disaster event on record for Topeka was Heavy Snow on Oct 22, 1996, which caused $3.5M in property damage. Another major event was Flash Flood (May 7, 2007), causing $3.4M in damages. EF2 Tornado on Nov 15, 1988 also caused significant damage ($2.5M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 66617 has experienced 391 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (291 events), severe wind events (51 events), tornadoes (19 events), blizzards (15 events), floods (14 events), and extreme heat event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 74% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Topeka, KS, with 291 events documented. These events have caused a combined $1.2M in property damage.
Yes, Topeka (ZIP 66617) has 14 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $8.6M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on May 7, 2007.
Topeka has 19 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 $7.4M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jun 5, 1996.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 66617 was Heavy Snow, which occurred on Oct 22, 1996. This event caused $3.5M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $21.7M in property damage in the Topeka, KS area (ZIP 66617). 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 →