Moderate Risk Pennsylvania  ·  Tornado / Flash Flooding

Lancaster County PA

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

5/ 10
Threat Score
Population
545
Area
946
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Tornado / Flash Flooding
FEMA Disasters
5
federally declared

Lancaster County in south-central Pennsylvania is within the 50-mile ingestion zone of Three Mile Island Nuclear Station — the site of the worst nuclear accident in US history. The Susquehanna and Conestoga Rivers create flooding risk. Ida in 2021 caused significant flooding across the county. The county is home to Pennsylvania Dutch Country and significant Amish and Mennonite communities whose cultural practices may affect emergency communication and evacuation compliance.

// Preparedness Recommendations

  • Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
  • Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
  • Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
  • Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.

// Recommended Supplies

Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 5 / 10    Moderate Risk
Primary Hazard Tornado / Flash Flooding
Secondary Hazard Nuclear Proximity
FEMA Flood Zone Moderate
Federally Declared Disasters 5
Last Major Event Ida 2021
Event Frequency Annual

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (717) 664-1000
Emergency Shelters 14 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes US-30 PA-283 PA-72 PA-501

// County Profile

County Lancaster County PA
State Pennsylvania (PA)
Population 545
Area 946 sq miles
FEMA Region Moderate

// Major Cities

Lancaster PA

// Cities in This County

// Other Pennsylvania Counties

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.

Peach Bottom Nuclear Plant PA
Nuclear Power Plant  ·  Delta, PA  ·  Constellation Energy  ·  10-mi risk zone
8/10 High
Three Mile Island Nuclear Site PA
Nuclear Power Plant  ·  Middletown, PA  ·  Constellation Energy  ·  10-mi risk zone
8/10 High
Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Transco
Power Plant  ·  Lancaster, PA  ·  Williams Companies  ·  500-mi risk zone
7/10 High

Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.