With 203 documented natural disaster events, ZIP code 15214 in Observatory, PA has a substantial history of natural hazard activity. These include 113 floods, 75 hailstorms, and 7 severe wind events. Total documented property damage amounts to $89.1M. These events have resulted in 8 recorded deaths and 144 injuries.
Floods represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 56% of all recorded events (113 total). Of these, 32 (28%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for flood-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Flood-related events have caused a combined $47.1M in documented property damage. 5 fatalities have been attributed to floods in this area. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jun 27, 2025.
Hailstorms account for 37% of the disaster record here, with 75 events documented. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Apr 2, 2025.
Observatory has experienced 7 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $41.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Aug 9, 2007.
Observatory has experienced 4 blizzards on record. Of these, 2 (50%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for winter storm events here is 5/5 (extreme). Winter storm events have caused a combined $7K in documented property damage. 2 fatalities have been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Jan 22, 2005.
Observatory has experienced 3 tornadoes on record. Tornado-related events have caused a combined $725K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on May 17, 2024.
Observatory has experienced 1 extreme heat event on record. 1 fatality has been attributed to extreme heat events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme heat event occurred on Jun 16, 2022.
The most significant disaster event on record for Observatory was 85 mph Thunderstorm Wind on Jun 30, 1998, which caused $41M in property damage. Another major event was Flood (Sep 17, 2004), causing $26M in damages. Flash Flood on Aug 9, 2007 also caused significant damage ($15M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 15214 has experienced 203 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include floods (113 events), hailstorms (75 events), severe wind events (7 events), blizzards (4 events), tornadoes (3 events), and extreme heat event (1 event). The primary hazard is floods, which account for 56% of all recorded events.
Floods are the most frequently recorded hazard in Observatory, PA, with 113 events documented. These events have caused a combined $47.1M in property damage.
Yes, Observatory (ZIP 15214) has 113 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $47.1M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jun 27, 2025.
Observatory has 3 recorded tornado events in the historical record. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $725K. The most recent tornado was recorded on May 17, 2024.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 15214 was 85 mph Thunderstorm Wind, which occurred on Jun 30, 1998. This event caused $41M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 2/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $89.1M in property damage in the Observatory, PA area (ZIP 15214). This figure is based on historical records from FEMA, NOAA Storm Events Database, and USGS, and covers events from the 1950s through the present. Actual damages may be higher, as not all events have complete damage assessments.
Data sourced from FEMA (disaster declarations, NFIP flood claims), NOAA Storm Events Database, USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, and NIFC wildfire records. Historical coverage varies by source, with most records beginning in the 1950s–1970s. Full methodology →