Natural Disaster Risk in Lattimer Mines

Natural Hazard Profile: Lattimer Mines, Pennsylvania

Located along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard in Luzerne County, Lattimer Mines is a small community of about 616. The humid continental climate that characterizes this part of Pennsylvania — marked by cold winters, warm summers, and four distinct seasons — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Lattimer Mines a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Lattimer Mines's overall natural disaster risk is rated 7.5/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The area faces significant winter hazard exposure, with nor'easters, ice storms, or blizzards regularly challenging transportation networks and power infrastructure. Secondary hazards include lightning and cold wave.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Lattimer Mines's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, considerably above the 5.9/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by winter and lightning, as measured by FEMA across Luzerne County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Lattimer Mines residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for winter and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.