Natural Disaster Risk in Erie County

Natural Hazard Profile: Erie County, Pennsylvania

Erie County is located in the United States in Pennsylvania, home to roughly 270,695 residents. The county experiences cold winters, warm summers, and four distinct seasons, with nor'easter exposure and spring river flooding shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Erie County carries an overall risk score of 6.4/10, placing it in the high category. Frequent lightning strikes from an active thunderstorm environment represent the top natural hazard risk, posing safety concerns and causing fire ignitions and power outages. The area also faces notable exposure to winter and wind.

Erie County's risk score, slightly above the 5.9/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Erie County, the highest-scoring are lightning, winter, and wind. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Erie County's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.