Altoona, Pennsylvania: natural disaster risk
How exposed Altoona is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Blair County.
Altoona is a city of 43,196 people in Blair County, Pennsylvania. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Blair County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and hurricane, with about $33.9 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 327 storm reports in the county since 1960, including 4 tornadoes and 59 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 7 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Blair County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Altoona
Full Blair County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $27M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Hurricane | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $861K | |
| Cold wave | $814K | |
| Lightning | $574K | |
| Earthquake | $463K | |
| Winter weather | $448K | |
| Heat wave | $215K | |
| Hail | $188K | |
| Landslide | $30K | |
| Ice storm | $19K |
Homes in Altoona
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Blair County
Other cities in Pennsylvania
All ›Common questions about Altoona
Is Altoona safe from natural disasters?
Altoona is in Blair County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, hurricane. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Altoona?
By expected yearly losses in Blair County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Low), hurricane (Low). Blair County has been part of 16 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Altoona get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 4 tornadoes in Blair County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on November 5, 1988. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Altoona?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Blair County, about 1.1% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.