Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: natural disaster risk
How exposed Pittsburgh is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Allegheny County.
Pittsburgh is a city of 304,759 people in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Allegheny County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $354 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 2,379 storm reports in the county since 1954, including 27 tornadoes and 603 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 2 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 Allegheny County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Pittsburgh
Full Allegheny 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- 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 | $295M | |
| Cold wave | $32M | |
| Tornado | $8M | |
| Heat wave | $5M | |
| Earthquake | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $4M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Hurricane | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $586K | |
| Hail | $135K | |
| Wildfire | $91K |
Homes in Pittsburgh
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 Allegheny County
More cities in Allegheny County
Common questions about Pittsburgh
Is Pittsburgh safe from natural disasters?
Pittsburgh is in Allegheny County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Pittsburgh?
By expected yearly losses in Allegheny County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Very High), cold wave (Very High), tornado (High). Allegheny County has been part of 16 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Pittsburgh get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 27 tornadoes in Allegheny County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on June 3, 1980. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Pittsburgh?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Allegheny County, about 0.4% 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.