Scranton, Pennsylvania: natural disaster risk
How exposed Scranton is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Lackawanna County.
Scranton is a city of 76,033 people in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Lackawanna County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and hurricane, with about $72.4 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 450 storm reports in the county since 1958, including 12 tornadoes and 94 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 1 hurricane and 8 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 Lackawanna County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Scranton
Full Lackawanna 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.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $57M | |
| Cold wave | $6M | |
| Hurricane | $2M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Earthquake | $999K | |
| Strong wind | $671K | |
| Winter weather | $427K | |
| Ice storm | $177K | |
| Hail | $91K | |
| Wildfire | $25K |
Homes in Scranton
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 Lackawanna County
Other cities in Pennsylvania
All ›Common questions about Scranton
Is Scranton safe from natural disasters?
Scranton is in Lackawanna County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, hurricane. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Scranton?
By expected yearly losses in Lackawanna County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), cold wave (High), hurricane (Moderate). Lackawanna County has been part of 20 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Scranton get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 12 tornadoes in Lackawanna County since 1950; the strongest was an EF2 tornado on February 25, 2017 near Hillside Jct. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Scranton?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Lackawanna 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.