Altoona, PA

Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data

Population: 42,719 · Part of Blair County

Altoona is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk — lower risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Blair County, PA. The county's highest-rated hazards are winter weather, inland flooding, and landslide.

Storm events near Altoona

NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Altoona's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Altoona itself, not the whole county.

Tornado 4 events
Hail 17 events
Inland Flooding 29 events

County-wide hazard risk

Every other hazard FEMA and NOAA track — including drought — is only scored at the county level. These are Blair County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Altoona along with the rest of the county, not a Altoona-specific figure.

Hazard NRI score Rating
Wildfire 32 Very Low
Inland Flooding 87.5 Relatively Moderate
Coastal Flooding Not Applicable
Earthquake 62.3 Relatively Low
Heat Wave 40.9 Relatively Low
Tornado 58.9 Relatively Low
Avalanche 59.5 Very Low
Cold Wave 49 Relatively Low
Drought 0 No Rating
Hail 44.2 Relatively Low
Hurricane 78.8 Relatively Low
Ice Storm 23.4 Very Low
Landslide 85.9 Relatively Low
Lightning 77 Relatively Moderate
Strong Wind 69.5 Relatively Moderate
Tsunami Not Applicable
Volcanic Activity Not Applicable
Winter Weather 92.6 Relatively High

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Blair County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.

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Frequently asked questions

What natural hazards is Altoona, PA at risk of?

Altoona is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — lower risk than most US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Blair County, where Altoona is located, are winter weather, inland flooding, and landslide.

What is Altoona's biggest natural hazard risk?

Winter Weather is the highest-rated hazard for Blair County, where Altoona is located, scoring 92.6 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").

Is Altoona a high-risk area for natural disasters?

No — Altoona carries lower risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Low" for Blair County.

Has Altoona had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?

NOAA has recorded 4 tornado, 17 hail, 29 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Altoona since 2016.