Natural Disaster Risk in Lawrence

Natural Hazard Profile: Lawrence, Pennsylvania

Lawrence, in Washington County, is a small community of about 1,403 situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid continental climate brings cold winters, warm summers, and four distinct seasons, and in particular nor'easter exposure and spring river flooding. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Lawrence residents and property owners must navigate.

Lawrence's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.0/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The area faces significant landslide risk, where mountainous topography and saturated soils during wet periods combine to create hazardous mass movement conditions. Secondary hazards include lightning and hail.

Within Pennsylvania, Lawrence's risk is, near the 5.9/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Washington County identifies landslide as the foremost hazard, followed by lightning and hail. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Lawrence residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for landslide 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.