Federal records document 139 natural disaster events in the Austin, TX area (ZIP 78742). These include 97 hailstorms, 13 extreme heat events, and 11 tornadoes. Total documented property damage amounts to $372.2M. These events have resulted in 25 recorded deaths and 60 injuries.
The dominant hazard type for Austin is hailstorms, with 97 recorded events making up 70% of the area's disaster history. Of these, 4 (4%) 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 $304K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 28, 2025.
There have been 13 recorded extreme heat events in this area, representing 9% of all disaster events. 13 fatalities have been attributed to extreme heat events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme heat event occurred on Aug 6, 2015.
There have been 11 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 8% of all disaster events. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for tornado-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Tornado-related events have caused a combined $250.7M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jan 25, 2012.
Austin has experienced 7 floods on record. Of these, 4 (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 $13.1M in documented property damage. 3 fatalities have been attributed to floods in this area. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Aug 15, 2021.
Austin has experienced 5 blizzards on record. Of these, 4 (80%) 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 $58.1M in documented property damage. 3 fatalities have been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 1, 2023.
Austin has experienced 5 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $50M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on May 14, 2008.
The most significant disaster event on record for Austin was EF2 Tornado on Aug 10, 1980, which caused $250M in property damage. Another major event was Winter Storm (Feb 1, 2023), causing $55.5M in damages. 81 mph Thunderstorm Wind on May 14, 2008 also caused significant damage ($50M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 78742 has experienced 139 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (97 events), extreme heat events (13 events), tornadoes (11 events), floods (7 events), blizzards (5 events), severe wind events (5 events), and extreme cold event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 70% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Austin, TX, with 97 events documented. These events have caused a combined $304K in property damage.
Yes, Austin (ZIP 78742) has 7 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $13.1M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Aug 15, 2021.
Austin has 11 recorded tornado events in the historical record. The strongest tornado recorded reached severity level 4/5 on the normalized scale. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $250.7M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jan 25, 2012.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 78742 was EF2 Tornado, which occurred on Aug 10, 1980. This event caused $250M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 3/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $372.2M in property damage in the Austin, TX area (ZIP 78742). 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 →