Portland, OR (ZIP 97218) shows 4 recorded natural disaster events — a comparatively quiet history. These include 2 tornadoes, 1 earthquake, and 1 flood. Total documented property damage amounts to $25.3M. These events have resulted in 6 recorded deaths and 300 injuries.
Tornadoes represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 50% of all recorded events (2 total). Of these, 2 (100%) 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 4/5 (severe). Tornado-related events have caused a combined $25.3M in documented property damage. 6 fatalities have been attributed to tornadoes in this area. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Apr 5, 1972.
Portland has experienced 1 earthquake on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for seismic events here is 4/5 (severe). The most recent recorded earthquake occurred on Nov 6, 1962.
Portland has experienced 1 flood on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for flood-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Flood-related events have caused a combined $30K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Sep 28, 2013.
The most significant disaster event on record for Portland was EF3 Tornado on Apr 5, 1972, which caused $25M in property damage and was linked to 6 fatalities. Another major event was EF3 Tornado (Apr 5, 1972), causing $250K in damages.
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 97218 has experienced 4 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include tornadoes (2 events), earthquake (1 event), and flood (1 event). The primary hazard is tornadoes, which account for 50% of all recorded events.
Tornadoes are the most frequently recorded hazard in Portland, OR, with 2 events documented. These events have caused a combined $25.3M in property damage.
Yes, Portland (ZIP 97218) has 1 recorded flood event. These floods have caused $30K in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Sep 28, 2013.
Portland has 2 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 $25.3M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Apr 5, 1972.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 97218 was EF3 Tornado, which occurred on Apr 5, 1972. This event caused $25M in documented property damage. It resulted in 6 reported fatalities. It was rated at severity level 4/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $25.3M in property damage in the Portland, OR area (ZIP 97218). 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 →