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

HazardDB

Hazard Score

102 Catastrophes Recorded

Historical_Hail

Historical_Tornadoes

Historical_Hurricanes

Historical_Floods

Historical_Wind

142

Historical_Wildfires

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania

11 Cities with a Population of 372,233, and 133,983 Households

Lehigh County in Pennsylvania faces a relatively moderate risk of natural disasters and climate-related hazards, with a risk score of 83.14. The area is prone to hailstorms, thunderstorms, flooding, and extreme wind events, with varying levels of impact on the population and infrastructure. Historical data shows that Lehigh County has experienced notable events such as hailstorms and thunderstorms, contributing to the overall risk assessment for the area.

Specific climate factors in Lehigh County include a relatively high susceptibility to extreme wind events, with a risk score of 96.21. The presence of fault lines, mountain peaks, and water bodies in the region further exacerbates the risk of natural disasters. The county's proximity to coastlines and geological features increases the likelihood of climate-related hazards, with a focus on preparedness and mitigation strategies to reduce potential impacts on the community.

Overall, Lehigh County's risk assessment highlights the need for proactive measures to address climate risks and natural disasters. By leveraging historical data, geographical features, and risk ratios, stakeholders can better understand the potential impacts of hazards on the area. It is crucial for the county to prioritize resilience and adaptation strategies to build a more sustainable and disaster-resilient community in the face of increasing climate-related challenges.

Wildfire Risk: Very Low

Tornado Risk: Very Low

Hurricane Risk: Very Low

Hail Risk: Very Low

Flood Risk: Moderate

Tsunami Risk: Very Low

Earthquake Risk: Very Low

Wind Risk: Low

HAZARDS

159

Power Transmission Lines

0

Coastlines

9

Water Bodies

0

Fault Lines

EMERGENCY SERVICES

112

Hazard Shelters

46

Fire Stations

10

Hospitals

17

Police Stations

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania has a population of 372,233 with a population density of 1,069 people per square mile. The population has grown since 2010, with a 6.5% increase to 349,497. The county has a diverse racial makeup, with 74.2% White, 5.8% Black, 2.9% Asian, and 17.6% identifying as Hispanic or of other races. The median age in the county is 39.3, with slightly more females than males. The average household size is 2.54, and the county has a total of 133,983 households with 64.4% being family households. Lehigh County also has a strong agricultural presence, with 381 farms in 2017 covering 63,121 acres.

Compared to other counties in Pennsylvania, Lehigh County has a higher population density and a larger population size. The county also has a higher percentage of White residents compared to the state average of 78.9%. However, it has a lower percentage of Black residents compared to the state average of 11.0%. In terms of agricultural production, the county has a similar number of farms and average farm size compared to the state average. Overall, Lehigh County is a diverse and growing community with a strong agricultural sector.

Regions

CLIMATE OVERVIEW

Average Temperature

11 °F Cold

Average Precipitation

1241 mm Moderately High

Average Humidity

79% Moderately High

Plant Hardiness

Flooding

Tropical Storm Irene

Flooding

Heavy Rain

2010-03-27

Flooding

Heavy Rain Snowmelt Dam B

Heavy Rain

2006-06-25

Hailstorm

2006-05-26

Flooding

Tropical Cyclone

1998-02-03

Flooding

Heavy Rain

1996-10-19

Flooding

Tropical Cyclone

1996-09-05

Hailstorm

1996-06-04

Flooding

Snowmelt

Hurricane Able

1952-09-03

Tornado

1950-07-05

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