Elizabethtown, PA

Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data

Population: 11,993 · Part of Lancaster County

Elizabethtown is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk — higher risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Lancaster County, PA. The county's highest-rated hazards are winter weather, inland flooding, and lightning.

Storm events near Elizabethtown

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

Tornado 9 events
Hail 71 events
Inland Flooding 107 events

County-wide hazard risk

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

Hazard NRI score Rating
Wildfire 37.2 Very Low
Inland Flooding 96.9 Relatively High
Coastal Flooding Not Applicable
Earthquake 93.5 Relatively Moderate
Heat Wave 94.4 Relatively Moderate
Tornado 79.8 Relatively Moderate
Avalanche 19.4 Very Low
Cold Wave 90.8 Relatively High
Drought 89 Relatively Moderate
Hail 83.4 Relatively Moderate
Hurricane 95.5 Relatively High
Ice Storm 82 Relatively Moderate
Landslide 73.3 Relatively Low
Lightning 96.3 Relatively High
Strong Wind 91.9 Relatively High
Tsunami Not Applicable
Volcanic Activity Not Applicable
Winter Weather 99.5 Very High

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

Other cities in Lancaster County:

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Frequently asked questions

What natural hazards is Elizabethtown, PA at risk of?

Elizabethtown is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — higher risk than most US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Lancaster County, where Elizabethtown is located, are winter weather, inland flooding, and lightning.

What is Elizabethtown's biggest natural hazard risk?

Winter Weather is the highest-rated hazard for Lancaster County, where Elizabethtown is located, scoring 99.5 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Very High").

Is Elizabethtown a high-risk area for natural disasters?

Yes — Elizabethtown carries higher risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively High" for Lancaster County.

Has Elizabethtown had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?

NOAA has recorded 9 tornado, 71 hail, 107 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Elizabethtown since 2016.