Williamsport, Pennsylvania: natural disaster risk
How exposed Williamsport is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Lycoming County.
Williamsport is a city of 27,612 people in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Lycoming County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, strong wind and tornado, with about $40.9 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 651 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 29 tornadoes and 55 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 8 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Lycoming County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Williamsport
Full Lycoming 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.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
- 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 | $35M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Tornado | $1M | |
| Hurricane | $986K | |
| Cold wave | $480K | |
| Lightning | $472K | |
| Heat wave | $421K | |
| Winter weather | $375K | |
| Earthquake | $250K | |
| Hail | $58K | |
| Landslide | $24K | |
| Avalanche | $16K |
Homes in Williamsport
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 Lycoming County
Other cities in Pennsylvania
All ›Common questions about Williamsport
Is Williamsport safe from natural disasters?
Williamsport is in Lycoming County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, strong wind, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Williamsport?
By expected yearly losses in Lycoming County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), strong wind (High), tornado (Low). Lycoming County has been part of 19 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Williamsport get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 29 tornadoes in Lycoming County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on May 31, 1985. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Williamsport?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Lycoming County, about 1.7% 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.