With 224 documented natural disaster events, ZIP code 72916 in Fort Smith, AR has a substantial history of natural hazard activity. These include 154 hailstorms, 23 tornadoes, and 21 severe wind events. Total documented property damage amounts to $167.8M. These events have resulted in 21 recorded deaths and 331 injuries.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 69% of all recorded events (154 total). 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 $2.2M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 19, 2025.
There have been 23 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 10% of all disaster events. Of these, 2 (9%) 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 $161.8M in documented property damage. 17 fatalities have been attributed to tornadoes in this area. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on May 19, 2025.
There have been 21 recorded severe wind events in this area, representing 9% of all disaster events. Wind-related events have caused a combined $1.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on May 18, 2019.
There have been 20 recorded floods in this area, representing 9% of all disaster events. Of these, 13 (65%) 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 $1.8M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to floods in this area. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jun 3, 2024.
Fort Smith has experienced 3 extreme heat events on record. 2 fatalities have been attributed to extreme heat events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme heat event occurred on Aug 16, 2022.
Fort Smith has experienced 2 blizzards on record. Of these, 2 (100%) 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 $650K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Jan 24, 2023.
The most significant disaster event on record for Fort Smith was EF2 Tornado on Apr 21, 1996, which caused $150M in property damage and was linked to 2 fatalities. Another major event was EF1 Tornado (Dec 3, 1999), causing $5M in damages. EF4 Tornado on Apr 19, 1968 also caused significant damage ($2.5M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 72916 has experienced 224 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (154 events), tornadoes (23 events), severe wind events (21 events), floods (20 events), extreme heat events (3 events), blizzards (2 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 Fort Smith, AR, with 154 events documented. These events have caused a combined $2.2M in property damage.
Yes, Fort Smith (ZIP 72916) has 20 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $1.8M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jun 3, 2024.
Fort Smith has 23 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 $161.8M. The most recent tornado was recorded on May 19, 2025.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 72916 was EF2 Tornado, which occurred on Apr 21, 1996. This event caused $150M in documented property damage. It resulted in 2 reported fatalities. It was rated at severity level 3/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $167.8M in property damage in the Fort Smith, AR area (ZIP 72916). 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 →