Pennsylvania faces extensive flood risk from the Delaware, Susquehanna, Lehigh, Allegheny, and Monongahela rivers, as well as urban flash flooding in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metro areas. The Susquehanna River valley through Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and Harrisburg has a devastating flood history, with the Agnes flood of 1972 causing over $3 billion in damage across the state. Wilkes-Barre was inundated by up to 12 feet of water during Agnes and has invested in extensive flood protection since. The Lehigh River through Allentown and Bethlehem regularly floods, with the 2004 and 2006 events causing significant damage. The Schuylkill River floods through Philadelphia, and the Delaware River creates flood risk for communities from Easton to Philadelphia. Pittsburgh sits at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers and experiences regular flooding. Flash flooding is a growing concern throughout the state as development increases impervious surfaces. Tropical Storm Lee in 2011 caused record flooding along the Susquehanna River. The state has over 1,500 NFIP-participating communities, one of the highest totals nationally. Climate projections suggest Pennsylvania's flood risk will increase significantly as precipitation events become more intense.
Pennsylvania Flood Zones
FEMA Flood Zone Lookup in Pennsylvania
Look up any address in Pennsylvania to find its FEMA flood zone designation, insurance requirements, and base flood elevation — sourced from the official National Flood Hazard Layer.
Zone A and Zone AE along the Susquehanna, Delaware, Lehigh, Allegheny, and Monongahela rivers; Zone X (shaded) for moderate-risk areas throughout Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg; Zone AR for levee-protected areas along the Susquehanna; Zone AH for shallow valley flooding.
Philadelphia County, Allegheny County, Luzerne County, Northampton County, Dauphin County
NFIP premiums range from $700-$1,500 for standard-risk properties. Susquehanna Riverfront properties in Wilkes-Barre and Harrisburg can run $1,500-$3,500 annually. Philadelphia urban properties face moderate premiums of $800-$2,000. Pittsburgh properties along the three rivers face similar costs.
Frequently Asked Questions — Pennsylvania
How bad was the 1972 Agnes flood in Pennsylvania?
Tropical Storm Agnes caused over $3 billion in damage across Pennsylvania making it one of the state's worst natural disasters. Wilkes-Barre was inundated by up to 12 feet of water and the Susquehanna River reached record levels throughout the valley.
Does Pittsburgh flood?
Pittsburgh sits at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers and experiences regular flooding. The city has experienced significant flood events throughout its history and faces ongoing risk from riverine flooding and urban stormwater runoff.
Do I need flood insurance in Pennsylvania?
If you are in a designated flood zone with a federally backed mortgage, yes. Pennsylvania has over 1,500 NFIP-participating communities reflecting its extensive flood risk. About 25% of claims come from outside high-risk zones.
Disclaimer: FloodZoneCheck is a free research tool using public FEMA data, not an official Standard Flood Hazard Determination. Lenders require a certified determination from a licensed provider. Zone boundaries can cross a single parcel — confirm exact risk and insurance requirements with FEMA or your insurer before relying on this for a purchase or insurance decision.
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