Government agency data shows 33 natural disaster events for ZIP 17856 in New Columbia, PA. These include 15 hailstorms, 9 tornadoes, and 4 floods. Total documented property damage amounts to $50.5M. These events have resulted in 4 recorded deaths and 40 injuries.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 45% of all recorded events (15 total). The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Jul 24, 2023.
New Columbia has experienced 9 tornadoes on record. Of these, 2 (22%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for tornado-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Tornado-related events have caused a combined $50.4M in documented property damage. 4 fatalities have been attributed to tornadoes in this area. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jul 2, 2023.
New Columbia has experienced 4 floods on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for flood-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Flood-related events have caused a combined $40K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Dec 1, 2010.
New Columbia has experienced 3 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $20K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on May 29, 2019.
New Columbia has experienced 2 blizzards on record. Winter storm events have caused a combined $6K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Jan 6, 2009.
The most significant disaster event on record for New Columbia was EF3 Tornado on May 31, 1985, which caused $25M in property damage and was linked to 2 fatalities. Another major event was EF3 Tornado (May 31, 1985), causing $25M in damages.
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 17856 has experienced 33 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (15 events), tornadoes (9 events), floods (4 events), severe wind events (3 events), and blizzards (2 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 45% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in New Columbia, PA, with 15 events documented.
Yes, New Columbia (ZIP 17856) has 4 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $40K in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Dec 1, 2010.
New Columbia has 9 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 $50.4M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jul 2, 2023.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 17856 was EF3 Tornado, which occurred on May 31, 1985. This event caused $25M in documented property damage. It resulted in 2 reported fatalities. It was rated at severity level 4/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $50.5M in property damage in the New Columbia, PA area (ZIP 17856). 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 →