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Pennsylvania · Risk Readiness

What's actually likely where you live.

Before the emergency — maps, tools, and the honest picture of what Pennsylvania throws at different parts of the state.

See PA hazards

PA hazard profile

Primary hazards. Ranked.

Pennsylvania's river systems are among the most flood-prone in the East. The Susquehanna, Delaware, Schuylkill, and Allegheny all have catastrophic flood histories. Agnes (1972) killed 48 Pennsylvanians. Lee (2011) caused $1B+ in damage along the Susquehanna. Central PA river communities — Harrisburg, Wilkes-Barre, Sunbury — flood with every major rainfall event. Flash flooding in mountain valleys can be sudden and deadly. Philadelphia and eastern Pennsylvania are in the direct path of nor'easters — powerful coastal storms that bring heavy snow, ice, and wind. The January 1996 blizzard dropped 30 inches on Philadelphia in 48 hours. Pittsburgh and western PA get significant Great Lakes-influenced snowfall. The Pennsylvania Turnpike closes multiple times per winter in mountain sections. Pennsylvania averages 16 tornadoes per year, concentrated in the western and central parts of the state. The May 31, 1985 outbreak killed 65 Pennsylvanians and is one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in state history. The Pittsburgh and Erie corridors are the most active. Spring season (April–June) is peak.

Official tools

Look up your address. Know your risk.

Insurance gaps

What your homeowner's policy doesn't cover.

Standard homeowner's policies in Pennsylvania exclude flood damage. Flood insurance through the NFIP has a 30-day waiting period — it cannot be purchased when a storm is forecast. Check your declarations page annually to confirm your coverage limits and deductibles.

Not in your standard policy

Flood damage — requires NFIP or private flood policy

Earthquake damage — requires separate endorsement

Sewer & drain backup — requires endorsement ($50–$100/yr)

Landslide / mudflow — generally excluded

Next steps

Where do you want to go next?

During an emergency

Find alerts, contacts, and shelters.

NC emergency contacts, alert signups, and real-time information.

Local Emergency

Get prepared

Run through the PA checklist.

Step-by-step actions based on the hazards that apply to Pennsylvania.

PA Checklists