ZIP code 17522, covering Ephrata, PA, has 63 natural disaster events in the historical record. These include 37 hailstorms, 9 severe wind events, and 8 tornadoes. Total documented property damage amounts to $9.5M. These events have resulted in 8 recorded deaths and 17 injuries.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 59% of all recorded events (37 total). The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Jun 30, 2024.
Ephrata has experienced 9 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $6M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Feb 25, 2017.
Ephrata has experienced 8 tornadoes on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for tornado-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Tornado-related events have caused a combined $1.7M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on May 19, 2019.
Ephrata has experienced 4 floods 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 flood-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Flood-related events have caused a combined $1.8M in documented property damage. 5 fatalities have been attributed to floods in this area. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Dec 18, 2023.
Ephrata has experienced 3 blizzards on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for winter storm events here is 5/5 (extreme). 2 fatalities have been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 2, 2025.
Ephrata has experienced 1 earthquake on record. The most recent recorded earthquake occurred on Nov 14, 1997.
The most significant disaster event on record for Ephrata was 90 mph Thunderstorm Wind on Feb 25, 2017, which caused $5M in property damage. Another major event was 81 mph Thunderstorm Wind (Mar 29, 2009), causing $1M in damages. EF1 Tornado on Mar 29, 2009 also caused significant damage ($1M).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 17522 has experienced 63 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (37 events), severe wind events (9 events), tornadoes (8 events), floods (4 events), blizzards (3 events), earthquake (1 event), and extreme heat event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 59% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Ephrata, PA, with 37 events documented.
Yes, Ephrata (ZIP 17522) has 4 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $1.8M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Dec 18, 2023.
Ephrata has 8 recorded tornado events in the historical record. The strongest tornado recorded reached severity level 4/5 on the normalized scale. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $1.7M. The most recent tornado was recorded on May 19, 2019.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 17522 was 90 mph Thunderstorm Wind, which occurred on Feb 25, 2017. This event caused $5M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 2/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $9.5M in property damage in the Ephrata, PA area (ZIP 17522). 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 →