Lancaster, PA
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Lancaster 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 Lancaster
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Lancaster's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Lancaster 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 Lancaster County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Lancaster along with the rest of the county, not a Lancaster-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:
More on Lancaster County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Lancaster, PA at risk of?
Lancaster 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 Lancaster is located, are winter weather, inland flooding, and lightning.
What is Lancaster's biggest natural hazard risk?
Winter Weather is the highest-rated hazard for Lancaster County, where Lancaster is located, scoring 99.5 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Very High").
Is Lancaster a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Yes — Lancaster 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 Lancaster had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 14 tornado, 70 hail, 154 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Lancaster since 2016.