Scranton, PA
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Scranton 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 Lackawanna County, PA. The county's highest-rated hazards are inland flooding, winter weather, and lightning.
Storm events near Scranton
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Scranton's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Scranton 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 Lackawanna County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Scranton along with the rest of the county, not a Scranton-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 41.4 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 94.1 | Relatively High |
| Coastal Flooding | — | Not Applicable |
| Earthquake | 75 | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | 83.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tornado | 68.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche | 37 | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | 89.6 | Relatively High |
| Drought | 0 | No Rating |
| Hail | 27.2 | Very Low |
| Hurricane | 82 | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | 68.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | 73.1 | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | 90.6 | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | 62 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 92.4 | Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Lackawanna County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Lackawanna County:
More on Lackawanna County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Scranton, PA at risk of?
Scranton 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 Lackawanna County, where Scranton is located, are inland flooding, winter weather, and lightning.
What is Scranton's biggest natural hazard risk?
Inland Flooding is the highest-rated hazard for Lackawanna County, where Scranton is located, scoring 94.1 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").
Is Scranton a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Somewhat — Scranton 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 Lackawanna County.
Has Scranton had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 12 tornado, 50 hail, 157 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Scranton since 2016.