Ames, Iowa Natural Disasters | Story County Hazard Db

HazardDB

Hazard Score

111 Catastrophes Recorded

Historical_Hail

Historical_Tornadoes

Historical_Floods

Historical_Wind

Ames, Iowa

14 Land Tracts in Story County , South Skunk Watershed

Ames, Iowa, located in Story County, has a relatively low overall natural disaster risk rating. The climate in Ames is characterized by moderate temperatures, high humidity, and moderate precipitation levels. While the area is not prone to major natural disasters like hurricanes or tsunamis, it does face a moderate risk of flooding, lightning storms, and droughts. The presence of the South Skunk River and other water bodies in the region can contribute to increased flood risk during heavy rainfall events.

Despite being situated inland, Ames is not immune to climate-related hazards. The city's proximity to the Upper Mississippi River system and the South Skunk River increases the risk of flooding, particularly during periods of heavy precipitation. Additionally, the region's flat terrain and lack of natural barriers make it susceptible to severe weather events such as thunderstorms and tornadoes. In the past, Ames has experienced damaging hail storms and severe thunderstorms, highlighting the potential for climate-related hazards in the area.

While Ames may not face the same level of natural disaster risk as coastal or fault line regions, it is important for residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential hazards. By staying informed about weather forecasts, maintaining emergency supplies, and having a plan in place for evacuation or sheltering, residents can mitigate the impact of climate-related disasters in the Ames area. Additionally, community efforts to improve infrastructure resilience and disaster preparedness can help reduce the overall risk of natural disasters in the region.

Wildfire Risk: Very Low

Tornado Risk: Low

Hurricane Risk: Very Low

Hail Risk: Low

Flood Risk: Moderate

Tsunami Risk: Very Low

Earthquake Risk: Very Low

Wind Risk: Moderate

HAZARDS

12

Power Transmission Lines

0

Coastlines

8

Water Bodies

0

Fault Lines

EMERGENCY SERVICES

17

Hazard Shelters

2

Fire Stations

1

Hospitals

1

Police Stations

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Story, Iowa faces a relatively low overall risk rating of 76.01, with a specific vulnerability rating of 79.17. The county's most significant hazards include frequent thunderstorms with a risk value of 246,018.56 and flooding events with a risk value of 2,666,139.72, both of which can lead to property damage and disruption. The region also experiences hailstorms, windstorms, and tornadoes, contributing to its moderate to high hazard risks.

Specific climate factors in Story, Iowa include a high frequency of lightning events (70.03) and strong wind events (6.65), which significantly impact the area's risk profile. The county is not located near coastlines or fault lines, reducing the risk of tsunamis and earthquakes. However, its proximity to water bodies and flat terrain make it susceptible to flooding, as evidenced by historical flooding events that have occurred in the region. The lack of mountain peaks also contributes to the area's vulnerability to severe ... Read More

CLIMATE OVERVIEW

Average Temperature

9 °F Cold

Average Precipitation

898 mm Moderate

Average Humidity

83% Moderately High

Plant Hardiness

5/10 Moderate

NATURAL CATASTROPHE TIMELINE

Flooding

Snowmelt, Heavy Rain, Ice Jams

2019-03-13

Hailstorm

2018-09-01

Flooding

Heavy Rain

Heavy Rain

Hailstorm

2011-06-09

Hailstorm

2011-06-09

Flooding

Heavy Rain And Snow

2011-03-07

Flooding

Torrential Rain

2010-08-10

Flooding

Dam Failure, Heavy Rain

2010-07-25

Hailstorm

2010-06-26

Flooding

Heavy Rain Snowmelt Dam B

2010-03-10

Flooding

Heavy Rain

Flooding

Heavy Rain

2007-08-16

Flooding

Hailstorm

1998-06-20

Hailstorm

1998-05-30

Flooding

Heavy Rain

1997-03-22

Tornado

1994-04-26

Hailstorm

1993-05-27

Hailstorm

1992-07-08

Flooding

1950-06-15

Dashboard