Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: natural disaster risk
How exposed Harrisburg is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Dauphin County.
Harrisburg is a city of 50,287 people in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Dauphin County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and tornado, with about $99.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 577 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 19 tornadoes and 62 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 1 hurricane and 13 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Dauphin County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Harrisburg
Full Dauphin 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.
- 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.
- 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 | $75M | |
| Hurricane | $7M | |
| Tornado | $4M | |
| Earthquake | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $1M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Drought | $141K | |
| Ice storm | $94K | |
| Hail | $89K |
Homes in Harrisburg
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 Dauphin County
Common questions about Harrisburg
Is Harrisburg safe from natural disasters?
Harrisburg is in Dauphin County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Harrisburg?
By expected yearly losses in Dauphin County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), hurricane (Moderate), tornado (Moderate). Dauphin County has been part of 20 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Harrisburg get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 19 tornadoes in Dauphin County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on April 5, 1977. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Harrisburg?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Dauphin County, about 1.2% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.