Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania Hazard Report | Natural Catastrophe And Climate Risk

HazardDB

Hazard Score

94 Catastrophes Recorded

Historical_Hail

Historical_Tornadoes

Historical_Hurricanes

Historical_Floods

Historical_Wind

Historical_Wildfires

Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania

11 Cities with a Population of 215,973, and 87,226 Households

Lackawanna, Pennsylvania, has a relatively low overall natural disaster and climate risk rating, with specific risks including high winds, hail, and heavy rainfall. These factors are influenced by the region's position in the northeast United States, where it experiences varied weather patterns throughout the year. The area is not prone to tsunamis, volcanic activity, or wildfires, which further contribute to its lower risk rating. However, the region is vulnerable to lightning strikes, flooding, and winter storms due to its geographical location and topography.

Lackawanna County is not located near coastlines or fault lines, reducing the risk of tsunamis and earthquakes. The area is characterized by mountainous terrain, with the Pocono Mountains to the east and the Appalachian Mountains to the west. These features can influence weather patterns, such as increased snowfall in winter months and potential for localized flooding during heavy rainfall events. Additionally, Lackawanna is home to several water bodies, including the Lackawanna River and various reservoirs, which can contribute to flooding risks during periods of intense precipitation.

Historically, Lackawanna County has experienced severe weather events such as blizzards, thunderstorms, and flooding. The region's proximity to major cities like Scranton and its industrial past can also impact risk factors such as air pollution and infrastructure vulnerability. While the area has a relatively low risk rating overall, ongoing monitoring and preparedness efforts are essential to mitigate potential natural disaster impacts and ensure the safety of residents and infrastructure in Lackawanna, Pennsylvania.

Wildfire Risk: Very Low

Tornado Risk: Very Low

Hurricane Risk: Low

Hail Risk: Very Low

Flood Risk: Low

Tsunami Risk: Very Low

Earthquake Risk: Very Low

Wind Risk: Low

HAZARDS

55

Power Transmission Lines

0

Coastlines

52

Water Bodies

0

Fault Lines

EMERGENCY SERVICES

55

Hazard Shelters

61

Fire Stations

6

Hospitals

27

Police Stations

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Lackawanna County, located in Pennsylvania, has a population of 215,973 with a population density of 464.3 people per square mile. The county is primarily made up of White residents, accounting for 91.3% of the population, followed by Black residents at 2.5%, and Hispanic residents at 4.9%. The median age in Lackawanna County is 41.9 years, with a slightly higher percentage of females (51.6%) than males (48.0%). The average household size is 2.37, with 25.7% of households having children. In terms of housing, there are 87,226 households in the county, with 62.8% being owner-occupied and 34.3% being renter-occupied.

Compared to other counties in Pennsylvania, Lackawanna County has a slightly higher population density and a higher percentage of White residents. The county also has a lower percentage of Black residents compared to the state average. In terms of median age and household size, Lackawanna County is relatively average compared to other counties in the state. However, the county has a higher percentage of owner-occupied households compared to the state average, indicating a higher rate of homeownership in the area. Additionally, Lackawanna County has a lower average farm size and crop acreage compared to other counties in Pennsylvania, but the average sales value of farms in the county is slightly higher than the state average, showing a potential focus on higher-value crops or agricultural products in the area.

Regions

CLIMATE OVERVIEW

Average Temperature

8 °F Cold

Average Precipitation

1166 mm Moderate

Average Humidity

78% Moderately High

Plant Hardiness

Hailstorm

2012-07-23

Flooding

Tropical Storm Irene

2011-08-27

Hailstorm

2011-06-09

Hailstorm

2011-04-26

Flooding

Heavy Rain And Snow

Heavy Rain

2010-03-27

Flooding

Heavy Rain Snowmelt Dam B

Flooding

Heavy Rain

Tropical Cyclone

Flooding

Snowmelt