From the iconic and mysterious Appalachian Mountains to the surrounding river valleys, Pennsylvania has diverse landscapes and topography, which makes it no stranger to volatile weather conditions.
Thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, hail, and even tornadoes occasionally strike various parts of the state, explaining why a detailed travel plan is needed to avoid being stuck in the middle of them.
For your information, we have made a list of the top 10 stormiest cities in Pennsylvania, with insights into average storm occurrence and most affected areas.
1. Erie
Average Storm Days Per Year: ~40-50
Erie is located along the southeastern shore of Lake Erie in Pennsylvania and is not just the stormiest but also the snowiest city in the state. Since the town is quite close to the Great Lake, that’s one of the main reasons why it experiences volatile weather conditions from time to time, especially during the spring and summer months. The collision between the warm inland air and cold lake air contributes to frequent thunderstorms, lake-effect storms, and hail events. The western parts of Erie usually experience the worst of it. Lakefront districts like Presque Isle Bay and neighborhoods like Frontier and Bayfront experience flooding and damage.
2. Pittsburgh
Average Storm Days Per Year: ~45
Pittsburgh’s geographic location is quite interesting. The city is located at the junction where three rivers merge, making it prone to many thunderstorms and rainfall. Issues related to sudden wind gusts and flooding are thus quite common here. During the summer months, there are high risks of high humidity and temperature gradients, which make it the perfect storm breeding grounds. Pittsburgh’s South Hills and East End areas, particularly Squirrel Hill and Highland Park, often record higher storm-related damage due to tree density and elevation differences. Also, the areas around the Allegheny River valley and East Pittsburgh are also affected.
3. Harrisburg
Average Storm Days Per Year: ~40-45
Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania and happens to be one of the stormiest cities in the state, due to its proximity to the Susquehanna River. The risks of intense summer thunderstorms, flooding, and strong winds are high here. Usually, the areas around uptown Harrisburg and the Paxtang neighborhood have reported significant storm-related events, often due to poor drainage infrastructure. Even the Riverfront Park and its surrounding areas are damaged during heavy storms and rainfall due to floodplain proximity.
4. Philadelphia
Average Storm Days Per Year: ~50-55
Not only is it the largest city in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia also happens to be one of the stormiest. The city’s proximity to the Atlantic’s storm systems contribute to the onset of intense thunderstorms, hail, occasional tornado warnings, and damaging windstorms. It is usually the northeast Philadelphia and parts of south Philly, which experience the worst of the storms, sometimes recording some of the highest storm-related devastation and damage in the state. Some of the other parts affected include Fishtown and Northern Liberties, which is located along the Delaware River.
5. Allentown
Average Storm Days Per Year: ~42
Although less frequented by tourists, Allentown is not only one of the most beautiful cities in Pennsylvania but also one of the most storm-prone. It is located in the Lehigh Valley and sees strong thunderstorms, wind events, and occasional flooding. The city often experiences the remnants of Atlantic storms and weather instabilities, especially during summer. The West End and South Allentown areas are particularly vulnerable due to older trees and elevation changes, which lead to fallen branches and temporary power outages during storms. Usually, the areas around Lehigh Parkway and Cedar Creek also bear the wrath of the storms.
6. Scranton
Average Storm Days Per Year: ~40
Scranton is another remotely located city in Pennsylvania, along the Lackawanna River valley. The city often experiences sudden thunderstorms, snow squalls in winter, and heavy rainfall in summer, primarily because of its elevation. The surrounding hills trap and intensify the storm system, contributing to turbulent weather from time to time. Usually, West Scranton and the South Side in the city experience the most damage during and after the storms. The areas around South Washington Avenue and the Keyser Valley have also been hit quite severely.
7. Reading
Average Storm Days Per Year: ~38-42
Since Reading is located in the basin between the Appalachian foothills, the risks of storm cell convergence, thunderstorm development, and occasional microbursts are relatively high in this state. More than rainfall and flooding, thunderstorms during the summer are quite common and affect areas around East Reading and the nearby Glenside neighborhoods. Besides thunderstorms and lightning, sudden wind events and downed power lines are pretty common occurrences here. Some of the worst-hit areas in the city during storms are Muhlenberg Township and parts of downtown Reading.
8. Johnstown
Average Storm Days Per Year: ~35-40
Johnstown is next on the list of the stormiest cities in Pennsylvania, historically known for the catastrophic Johnstown Flood of 1889. Not much has changed since then. Due to its valley location, the city is still vulnerable to heavy rainstorms and flooding. Since the city is surrounded by steep valleys, the water runoff ends up accumulating in the city centre, leading to floods. Some of the most storm-sensitive areas in the city include Downtown Johnstown and Woodvale, primarily because of their low elevation and the outdated infrastructure.
9. Wilkes-Barre
Average Storm Days Per Year: ~40
Located close to Wyoming Valley, Wilkes-Barre is another popular city in Pennsylvania that experiences frequent storms throughout the year. There are ongoing powerful thunderstorms, strong winds, and winter storm remnants. Not just that, the flood risk in this city is also significantly high due to the Susquehanna River. Some areas in the city worst hit by the storms are the East End and Parsons neighborhoods, primarily around Kirby Park.
10. State College
Average Storm Days Per Year: ~38
State College is primarily known for being home to the prestigious Penn State University, but that’s not all there’s to it. The city is also prone to frequent thunderstorms, sudden lightning storms, and high-wind weather patterns, especially during the peak spring and summer months. The combination of the Atlantic moisture and Appalachian updrafts contributes to the severe storms, leading to various complexities in the weather. Some of the neighborhoods worst hit in State College are College Heights and Lemont, where the wind damage and occasional tree falls are common.
Final Words
Pennsylvania is home to various landscapes, stunning cities, and a lot of immersive culture and history. The next time you plan to visit the state on your vacation, consider being wary of the weather forecast and plan your trip accordingly. Despite being the stormiest, some of these cities offer many unique experiences. So, plan your trip in a way that doesn’t miss out on the scenic beauty and vibrant urban life there.
