New Castle, PA

Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data

Population: 21,332 · Part of Lawrence County

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

Storm events near New Castle

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

Tornado 21 events
Hail 163 events
Inland Flooding 165 events

County-wide hazard risk

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

Hazard NRI score Rating
Wildfire 27.3 Very Low
Inland Flooding 83.1 Relatively Moderate
Coastal Flooding Not Applicable
Earthquake 36.7 Very Low
Heat Wave 29.4 Very Low
Tornado 37.7 Relatively Low
Avalanche 13.6 Very Low
Cold Wave 16.4 Very Low
Drought 0 No Rating
Hail 49.7 Relatively Low
Hurricane 47.3 Very Low
Ice Storm 43.6 Relatively Low
Landslide 63.6 Relatively Low
Lightning 77.7 Relatively Moderate
Strong Wind 50.1 Relatively Low
Tsunami Not Applicable
Volcanic Activity Not Applicable
Winter Weather 50.1 Relatively Low

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

More on Lawrence County:

Frequently asked questions

What natural hazards is New Castle, PA at risk of?

New Castle 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 Lawrence County, where New Castle is located, are inland flooding, lightning, and landslide.

What is New Castle's biggest natural hazard risk?

Inland Flooding is the highest-rated hazard for Lawrence County, where New Castle is located, scoring 83.1 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively Moderate").

Is New Castle a high-risk area for natural disasters?

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

Has New Castle had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?

NOAA has recorded 21 tornado, 163 hail, 165 inland flooding events within 25 miles of New Castle since 2016.