State College, Pennsylvania: natural disaster risk
How exposed State College is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Centre County.
State College is a city of 41,050 people in Centre County, Pennsylvania. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Centre County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and lightning, with about $24.9 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 593 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 16 tornadoes and 36 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 8 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Centre County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in State College
Full Centre 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.
- Go indoors when you hear thunder.
- Use surge protectors for electronics.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $19M | |
| Hurricane | $1M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Tornado | $893K | |
| Winter weather | $576K | |
| Strong wind | $570K | |
| Earthquake | $382K | |
| Heat wave | $316K | |
| Cold wave | $244K | |
| Hail | $90K | |
| Ice storm | $48K | |
| Landslide | $41K |
Homes in State College
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 Centre County
Other cities in Pennsylvania
All ›Common questions about State College
Is State College safe from natural disasters?
State College is in Centre County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, lightning. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in State College?
By expected yearly losses in Centre County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), hurricane (Low), lightning (High). Centre County has been part of 13 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does State College get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 16 tornadoes in Centre County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on May 31, 1985. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in State College?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Centre County, about 0.5% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.