Bethlehem, PA
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Bethlehem is rated Relatively Moderate for overall natural hazard risk — near the middle compared to other US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Northampton County, PA. The county's highest-rated hazards are winter weather, heat wave, and inland flooding.
Storm events near Bethlehem
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Bethlehem's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Bethlehem itself, not the whole county.
County-wide hazard risk
Every other hazard FEMA and NOAA track — including drought — is only scored at the county level. These are Northampton County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Bethlehem along with the rest of the county, not a Bethlehem-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 28.6 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 93.6 | Relatively High |
| Coastal Flooding | — | Not Applicable |
| Earthquake | 84.4 | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | 94.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tornado | 80.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche | 35.5 | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | 83.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | 55.5 | Relatively Low |
| Hail | 26.7 | Very Low |
| Hurricane | 87.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | 71.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | 76.5 | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | 92.6 | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | 81.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 96.5 | Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Northampton County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Northampton County:
More on Northampton County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Bethlehem, PA at risk of?
Bethlehem is rated Relatively Moderate for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — near the middle compared to other US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Northampton County, where Bethlehem is located, are winter weather, heat wave, and inland flooding.
What is Bethlehem's biggest natural hazard risk?
Winter Weather is the highest-rated hazard for Northampton County, where Bethlehem is located, scoring 96.5 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").
Is Bethlehem a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Somewhat — Bethlehem carries near the middle compared to other US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Moderate" for Northampton County.
Has Bethlehem had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 15 tornado, 107 hail, 203 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Bethlehem since 2016.