High Risk Pennsylvania  ·  Flash Flooding / Hurricane

Luzerne County PA

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

7/ 10
Threat Score
Population
337,354
Area
906
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Flash Flooding / Hurricane
FEMA Disasters
42
federally declared

Luzerne County in the Wyoming Valley of northeastern Pennsylvania has been repeatedly devastated by flooding. Ida in 2021 caused catastrophic flooding in Wilkes-Barre and surrounding communities. The Susquehanna River floods the valley regularly and the county has experienced multiple federally declared flood disasters. Hurricane Agnes in 1972 caused the worst flood in the county's history and the region has flooded multiple times since.

// 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 7 / 10    High Risk
Primary Hazard Flash Flooding / Hurricane
Secondary Hazard Winter Storm
FEMA Flood Zone Zone AE (High Risk)
Federally Declared Disasters 42
Last Major Event Hurricane Ida (2021)
Event Frequency Major event every 4–5 years

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (570) 820-3500
Emergency Shelters 18 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-81 North, I-81 South, I-476 North, US-11 South

// County Profile

County Luzerne County PA
State Pennsylvania (PA)
Population 337,354
Area 906 sq miles
FEMA Region Zone AE (High Risk)

// Major Cities

Wilkes-Barre 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.

🌊
Susquehanna River Levee System PA
Major Dam  ·  Wilkes-Barre, PA  ·  US Army Corps of Engineers  ·  10-mi risk zone
8/10 High
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station PA
Nuclear Power Plant  ·  Berwick  ·  PPL Corporation  ·  10-mi risk zone
7/10 High
Susquehanna Nuclear Plant PA
Power Plant  ·  Berwick, PA  ·  Talen Energy  ·  10-mi risk zone
7/10 High

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