Erie, Pennsylvania: natural disaster risk
How exposed Erie is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Erie County.
Erie is a city of 93,850 people in Erie County, Pennsylvania. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Erie County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, strong wind and tornado, with about $47.6 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 721 storm reports in the county since 1952, including 24 tornadoes and 66 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 1 tropical storm passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Erie County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Erie
Full Erie 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.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $38M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $614K | |
| Hurricane | $598K | |
| Cold wave | $580K | |
| Earthquake | $417K | |
| Hail | $259K | |
| Heat wave | $216K | |
| Ice storm | $202K | |
| Wildfire | $20K |
Homes in Erie
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 Erie County
Other cities in Pennsylvania
All ›Common questions about Erie
Is Erie safe from natural disasters?
Erie is in Erie County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, strong wind, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Erie?
By expected yearly losses in Erie County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), strong wind (High), tornado (Moderate). Erie County has been part of 9 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Erie get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 24 tornadoes in Erie County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on May 31, 1985. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Erie?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Erie County, about 0.3% 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.