Government records show 217 natural disaster events affecting the Little Rock, AR area (ZIP 72209) — a notably active disaster history. These include 156 hailstorms, 21 tornadoes, and 17 floods. Total documented property damage amounts to $244.3M. These events have resulted in 27 recorded deaths and 331 injuries.
The dominant hazard type for Little Rock is hailstorms, with 156 recorded events making up 72% 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 $1.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 8, 2024.
There have been 21 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 10% of all disaster events. Of these, 4 (19%) 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 $190.1M in documented property damage. 12 fatalities have been attributed to tornadoes in this area. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on May 2, 2019.
There have been 17 recorded floods in this area, representing 8% of all disaster events. Of these, 10 (59%) 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 $3.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on May 28, 2019.
There have been 11 recorded blizzards in this area, representing 5% of all disaster events. Of these, 8 (73%) 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 $49.1M in documented property damage. 6 fatalities have been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Nov 14, 2018.
Little Rock has experienced 9 extreme heat events on record. Of these, 2 (22%) 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). 9 fatalities have been attributed to extreme heat events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme heat event occurred on Jul 18, 2019.
Little Rock has experienced 3 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $500K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Sep 6, 2023.
The most significant disaster event on record for Little Rock was EF4 Tornado on Mar 1, 1997, which caused $50M in property damage and was linked to 5 fatalities. Another major event was EF1 Tornado (Apr 3, 2008), causing $50M in damages. Winter Storm on Dec 25, 2012 also caused significant damage ($48M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 72209 has experienced 217 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (156 events), tornadoes (21 events), floods (17 events), blizzards (11 events), extreme heat events (9 events), and severe wind events (3 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 72% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Little Rock, AR, with 156 events documented. These events have caused a combined $1.3M in property damage.
Yes, Little Rock (ZIP 72209) has 17 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $3.3M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on May 28, 2019.
Little Rock has 21 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 $190.1M. The most recent tornado was recorded on May 2, 2019.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 72209 was EF4 Tornado, which occurred on Mar 1, 1997. This event caused $50M in documented property damage. It resulted in 5 reported fatalities. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $244.3M in property damage in the Little Rock, AR area (ZIP 72209). 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 →