Government records show 220 natural disaster events affecting the Benton, LA area (ZIP 71006) — a notably active disaster history. These include 152 hailstorms, 35 tornadoes, and 17 extreme heat events. Total documented property damage amounts to $22.4M. These events have resulted in 27 recorded deaths and 102 injuries.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 69% of all recorded events (152 total). Of these, 3 (2%) 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). The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Sep 21, 2025.
There have been 35 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 16% of all disaster events. Of these, 4 (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 $15.7M in documented property damage. 7 fatalities have been attributed to tornadoes in this area. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Sep 24, 2025.
There have been 17 recorded extreme heat events in this area, representing 8% of all disaster events. Of these, 2 (12%) 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 4/5 (severe). 20 fatalities have been attributed to extreme heat events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme heat event occurred on Aug 7, 2011.
Benton has experienced 10 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $1.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Mar 4, 2025.
Benton has experienced 5 floods on record. Of these, 5 (100%) 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 $5.1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jun 18, 2015.
Benton has experienced 1 extreme cold event on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for cold-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Cold-related events have caused a combined $200K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Jan 7, 2010.
The most significant disaster event on record for Benton was EF4 Tornado on Apr 3, 1999, which caused $6.7M in property damage and was linked to 7 fatalities. Another major event was Flood (Oct 14, 2009), causing $3M in damages. EF2 Tornado on May 7, 1978 also caused significant damage ($2.5M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 71006 has experienced 220 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (152 events), tornadoes (35 events), extreme heat events (17 events), severe wind events (10 events), floods (5 events), and extreme cold event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 69% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Benton, LA, with 152 events documented.
Yes, Benton (ZIP 71006) has 5 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $5.1M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jun 18, 2015.
Benton has 35 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 $15.7M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Sep 24, 2025.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 71006 was EF4 Tornado, which occurred on Apr 3, 1999. This event caused $6.7M in documented property damage. It resulted in 7 reported fatalities. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $22.4M in property damage in the Benton, LA area (ZIP 71006). 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 →