Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: natural disaster risk
How exposed Philadelphia is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Philadelphia County.
Philadelphia is a city of 1,579,706 people in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Philadelphia County very high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, heat wave and cold wave, with about $667 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 681 storm reports in the county since 1958, including 12 tornadoes and 236 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 2 hurricanes and 21 tropical storms 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 Philadelphia County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Philadelphia
Full Philadelphia 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.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $266M | |
| Heat wave | $256M | |
| Cold wave | $57M | |
| Earthquake | $42M | |
| Tornado | $21M | |
| Hurricane | $12M | |
| Strong wind | $4M | |
| Coastal flooding | $3M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $989K |
Homes in Philadelphia
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 Philadelphia County
Common questions about Philadelphia
Is Philadelphia safe from natural disasters?
Philadelphia is in Philadelphia County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates very high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, heat wave, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Philadelphia?
By expected yearly losses in Philadelphia County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Very High), heat wave (Very High), cold wave (Very High). Philadelphia County has been part of 23 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Philadelphia get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 12 tornadoes in Philadelphia County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on July 29, 2021 near Byberry. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Philadelphia?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Philadelphia County, about 0.3% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk very high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.