Merkel, TX (ZIP 79536) sits in one of the more disaster-active areas in the region, with 227 natural disaster events on record. These include 187 hailstorms, 18 tornadoes, and 14 severe wind events. Total documented property damage amounts to $26.9M. These events have resulted in 2 recorded deaths and 37 injuries.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 82% of all recorded events (187 total). Of these, 6 (3%) 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 $5.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Jun 8, 2025.
There have been 18 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 $12.8M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on May 2, 2024.
There have been 14 recorded severe wind events in this area, representing 6% of all disaster events. Wind-related events have caused a combined $60K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Jun 8, 2025.
Merkel has experienced 5 blizzards on record. Of these, 3 (60%) 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 $535K in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Dec 26, 2017.
Merkel has experienced 2 floods 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 flood-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Flood-related events have caused a combined $424K in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to floods in this area. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Oct 17, 2018.
Merkel 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 5/5 (extreme). Cold-related events have caused a combined $7.8M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Feb 15, 2021.
The most significant disaster event on record for Merkel was EF2 Tornado on May 18, 2019, which caused $10M in property damage. Another major event was Cold/Wind Chill (Feb 15, 2021), causing $7.8M in damages. 2.5" Hail on May 5, 2006 also caused significant damage ($5M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 79536 has experienced 227 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (187 events), tornadoes (18 events), severe wind events (14 events), blizzards (5 events), floods (2 events), and extreme cold event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 82% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Merkel, TX, with 187 events documented. These events have caused a combined $5.3M in property damage.
Yes, Merkel (ZIP 79536) has 2 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $424K in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Oct 17, 2018.
Merkel has 18 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 $12.8M. The most recent tornado was recorded on May 2, 2024.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 79536 was EF2 Tornado, which occurred on May 18, 2019. This event caused $10M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 3/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $26.9M in property damage in the Merkel, TX area (ZIP 79536). 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 →