{"id":88161,"date":"2023-11-08T15:27:55","date_gmt":"2023-11-08T23:27:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=88161"},"modified":"2023-11-17T09:57:39","modified_gmt":"2023-11-17T17:57:39","slug":"natural-disasters-in-pennsylvania","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/natural-disasters-in-pennsylvania\/","title":{"rendered":"Natural Disasters in Pennsylvania: What Homeowners and Renters Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pennsylvania is known for its industrial roots, dynamic cities, and varied landscapes ranging from Lake Erie, to the Appalachian Mountains, to historic rivers that weave throughout the state. The climate is generally humid and moderately wet, usually seeing plenty of rain and snow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

No matter where you live in Pennsylvania, though, you are at risk of natural disasters, such as flooding, hurricanes, and winter storms. When these happen, it\u2019s essential to be prepared.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So what are the most common natural disasters in Pennsylvania, how are they changing, and what can you do to prepare? Whether you\u2019re planning a <\/span>move to Philadelphia<\/span><\/a> or are looking at <\/span>apartments in Pittsburgh<\/span><\/a>, read on for everything you need to know.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"flooding\"<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania flooding<\/span><\/h2>\n
Pennsylvania cities most at risk of flooding<\/b><\/h5>\n
    \n
  1. Lock Haven<\/b>: 35% of properties at risk<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Williamsport<\/b>: 29% of properties at risk<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Bloomsburg<\/b>: 24% of properties at risk<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Flooding is the <\/span>most common and damaging<\/span><\/a> natural disaster in Pennsylvania. In fact, <\/span>Pennsylvania trails only Florida<\/span><\/a> when factoring in potential structural damage from flooding. The areas most at risk of flooding are in central Pennsylvania near rivers, with the highest risk along the Susquehanna and Schuylkill Rivers. However, potential costs from flood damage will be the highest in Philadelphia.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Recently, in September 2021, <\/span>the remnants from Hurricane Ida<\/span><\/a> caused dramatic flooding throughout Pennsylvania, flooding entire highways and causing the Schuylkill River to crest just below its 17-foot record. Most flooding events come from tropical storms and hurricanes, with the largest amounts of rain in state history coming from <\/span>Hurricane Agnes<\/span><\/a> in 1972 and <\/span>Tropical Storm Lee<\/span><\/a> in 2011. Both storms produced massive flooding.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Many are calling for longer-term solutions statewide, but have had little success so far.<\/span><\/p>\n

    How to prepare for flooding in Pennsylvania<\/span><\/h3>\n

    In Pennsylvania, <\/span>preparing for a flood<\/span><\/a> is essential, especially along the state\u2019s many rivers. Here are a few tips to help:<\/span><\/p>\n