Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania: natural disaster risk
How exposed Wilkes-Barre is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Luzerne County.
Wilkes-Barre is a city of 44,423 people in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Luzerne County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $88 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 624 storm reports in the county since 1958, including 20 tornadoes and 143 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 1 hurricane and 8 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 3.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Luzerne County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Wilkes-Barre
Full Luzerne 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 | $64M | |
| Cold wave | $9M | |
| Tornado | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Hurricane | $3M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $844K | |
| Ice storm | $415K | |
| Hail | $243K | |
| Wildfire | $48K |
Homes in Wilkes-Barre
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 Luzerne County
More cities in Luzerne County
Other cities in Pennsylvania
All ›Common questions about Wilkes-Barre
Is Wilkes-Barre safe from natural disasters?
Wilkes-Barre is in Luzerne County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for 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 Wilkes-Barre?
By expected yearly losses in Luzerne County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), cold wave (High), tornado (Moderate). Luzerne County has been part of 21 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Wilkes-Barre get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 20 tornadoes in Luzerne County since 1950; the strongest was an EF2 tornado on June 13, 2018 near Boulevard Manor. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Wilkes-Barre?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Luzerne County, about 3.3% 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.