New Kensington, PA
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
New Kensington 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 Westmoreland County, PA. The county's highest-rated hazards are lightning, inland flooding, and landslide.
Storm events near New Kensington
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of New Kensington's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to New Kensington 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 Westmoreland County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering New Kensington along with the rest of the county, not a New Kensington-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 54 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 93.8 | Relatively High |
| Coastal Flooding | — | Not Applicable |
| Earthquake | 73.8 | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | 59.9 | Relatively Low |
| Tornado | 55.7 | Relatively Low |
| Avalanche | 44 | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | 14.9 | Very Low |
| Drought | 25.1 | Very Low |
| Hail | 85.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | 69 | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | 62.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | 91.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | 95.6 | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | 90.2 | Relatively High |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 70.4 | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Westmoreland County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Westmoreland County:
More on Westmoreland County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is New Kensington, PA at risk of?
New Kensington 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 Westmoreland County, where New Kensington is located, are lightning, inland flooding, and landslide.
What is New Kensington's biggest natural hazard risk?
Lightning is the highest-rated hazard for Westmoreland County, where New Kensington is located, scoring 95.6 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").
Is New Kensington a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Somewhat — New Kensington 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 Westmoreland County.
Has New Kensington had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 20 tornado, 226 hail, 476 inland flooding events within 25 miles of New Kensington since 2016.