Lancaster, Pennsylvania: natural disaster risk
How exposed Lancaster is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Lancaster County.
Lancaster is a city of 57,719 people in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Lancaster County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and earthquake, with about $170 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,021 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 39 tornadoes and 152 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 1 hurricane and 12 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Lancaster County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Lancaster
Full Lancaster 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $111M | |
| Hurricane | $24M | |
| Earthquake | $10M | |
| Cold wave | $8M | |
| Heat wave | $5M | |
| Tornado | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Drought | $2M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $471K |
Homes in Lancaster
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 Lancaster County
Other cities in Pennsylvania
All ›Common questions about Lancaster
Is Lancaster safe from natural disasters?
Lancaster is in Lancaster County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Lancaster?
By expected yearly losses in Lancaster County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), hurricane (High), earthquake (Moderate). Lancaster County has been part of 20 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Lancaster get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 39 tornadoes in Lancaster County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on November 4, 1950. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Lancaster?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Lancaster County, about 0.4% 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.