Natural Disaster Risk β ZIP Code 18848
Towanda, Pennsylvania
Risk Summary for ZIP 18848
ZIP 18848 scores 5.2/10 (Moderate 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
π What this means for insurance
Average risk β standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 18848, Pennsylvania
ZIP 18848 in Towanda sits in the Great Lakes region. Its humid continental climate produces cold winters, warm summers, and four distinct seasons, and notably nor'easter exposure and spring river flooding. These conditions define the natural disaster environment for households across this ZIP code.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, ZIP 18848 carries an overall risk score of 5.2/10, placing it in the moderate category. Lightning from frequent convective storms is the leading natural hazard, with above-average strike density creating risks for outdoor activities, trees, and sensitive infrastructure. The area also faces notable exposure to avalanche and landslide.
Within Pennsylvania, ZIP 18848's risk is, slightly below the 5.9/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Pennsylvania identifies lightning as the foremost hazard, followed by avalanche and landslide. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a moderate risk rating, ZIP 18848 residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices β an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for lightning is recommended.
What this means for ZIP 18848: Lightning preparedness
- Avoid plumbing and corded electronics during active thunderstorms.
- 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.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 18848
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 18848 from other communities in Pennsylvania County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
8,199
Small TownGeographic Zone
Atlantic Coast
Hurricane, nor'easter & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 41.8Β°
Flood Terrain
Minimal β county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower β moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 3.1/10
Coordinates
41.7536Β° N, 76.4561Β° W
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for ZIP 18848
Last 12 months Β· Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
Nearby ZIP codes
Other cities in Pennsylvania
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). County-level data applied to ZIP codes within each county. Scores are normalized to 1β10 across all US counties. This information is for general awareness only β consult official emergency management resources and a licensed insurer for property-specific advice.