York, Pennsylvania: natural disaster risk
How exposed York is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for York County.
York is a city of 44,938 people in York County, Pennsylvania. FEMA's National Risk Index rates York County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and earthquake, with about $106 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 947 storm reports in the county since 1952, including 32 tornadoes and 124 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 1 hurricane and 15 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 York County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in York
Full York 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $69M | |
| Hurricane | $15M | |
| Earthquake | $5M | |
| Heat wave | $4M | |
| Cold wave | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Drought | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $1M | |
| Tornado | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $190K | |
| Hail | $103K |
Homes in York
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 York County
Other cities in Pennsylvania
All ›Common questions about York
Is York safe from natural disasters?
York is in York County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in York?
By expected yearly losses in York County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), hurricane (Moderate), earthquake (Low). York County has been part of 19 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does York get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 32 tornadoes in York County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on April 5, 1952. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in York?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In York County, about 0.4% 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.