Natural Disaster Risk in Union City
Pennsylvania
Risk Summary for Union City
Union City scores 6.4/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Lightning.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Union City, Pennsylvania
Union City is a town of roughly 7,421 residents in Erie County, in the Great Lakes region. The area experiences cold winters, warm summers, and four distinct seasons, with nor'easter exposure and spring river flooding shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Union City.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Union City 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.
Union City'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.
With a high natural disaster risk rating, Union City residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for lightning 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.
What this means for Union City: Lightning preparedness
- Install whole-home surge protection to shield electronics from strike-related power surges.
- Follow the "when thunder roars, go indoors" rule and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder.
- Avoid plumbing and corded electronics during active thunderstorms.
Local Factors for Union City
These city-level factors differentiate Union City from other communities in Erie County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
7,421
Small TownGeographic Zone
Great Lakes
Lake-effect snow & wind risk
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 41.9°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 4.5/10
Coordinates
41.8908° N, 79.8471° W
Erie County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Union City
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Union City
Other cities in Pennsylvania
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.