Natural Disaster Risk in Orrtanna

Natural Hazard Profile: Orrtanna, Pennsylvania

Orrtanna, in Adams County, is a town of roughly 2,825 residents situated along the mid-Atlantic coast. 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 Orrtanna residents and property owners must navigate.

Orrtanna's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.0/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The area faces significant drought exposure, where below-average precipitation over extended periods strains water resources and drives secondary hazards like wildfire and crop failure. Secondary hazards include hurricane and earthquake.

Within Pennsylvania, Orrtanna'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 Adams County identifies drought as the foremost hazard, followed by hurricane and earthquake. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

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