Union County, Pennsylvania
County storm and disaster record · FIPS 42119 · population 42,665 · 316 sq mi
NOAA's Storm Events Database holds 296 records for Union County, Pennsylvania from 1950 through June 30, 2026, on 242 days; the most frequent are severe thunderstorm wind events (128 records). The deadliest single record is the May 31, 1985 tornado: 2 deaths and 20 injuries. FEMA has issued 18 declarations naming the county since 1972, 16 of them for natural hazards; the latest for a natural hazard was “Tropical Storm Debby” on September 11, 2024.
The record, 1950 to 2026
Storm records filed for the county each year (2026 to June 30, 2026). Before 1996 NOAA recorded only tornadoes (from 1950), thunderstorm wind and hail (from 1955).
- recorded, no damage figure
- under $100,000
- $100,000 or more
- $1 million or more
- $10 million or more, or a death
- $100 million or more, or 10 deaths
- a year's colour: its recorded damage or deaths
- a year with a death
- 1955: wind and hail recorded from 1955
- 1996: all 48 event types from 1996
- Storm records
- 296on 242 days, 1950 to June 30, 2026
- Deaths recorded
- 322 injuries
- Damage, 2025 dollars
- $117Mas filed (scale steps before 1993)
- Tornadoes
- 12strongest F3
- FEMA declarations
- 18latest 2024
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records through June 30, 2026 (file revision 20260918); damage converted to 2025 dollars with the BLS CPI-U. Search the record at NCEI. BLS consumer price index.
What hazards hit Union County most?
The most frequent records are severe thunderstorm wind events: 128 since 1967. 59% of its severe thunderstorm wind events since 1967 fell in June and July. The rank column places the county among Pennsylvania's counties by days with a record per 1,000 square miles of land over each hazard's complete period.
| Hazard | Records | Days | First, last | Killed | Injured | Damage | Rank in state |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severe thunderstorm wind | 128 | 101 | 1967-2026 | 1 | 2 | $29M | 30 of 67 |
| Winter storms | 70 | 70 | 1996-2026 | 0 | 0 | $9K | 15 of 67 |
| Floods | 44 | 37 | 1996-2023 | 0 | 0 | $19M | 19 of 67 |
| Hail | 15 | 12 | 1991-2019 | 0 | 0 | – | 55 of 67 |
| Tornadoes | 12 | 9 | 1985-2023 | 2 | 20 | $69M | 21 of 67 |
| High wind and dust storms | 11 | 10 | 1999-2019 | 0 | 0 | $38K | 40 of 67 |
| Drought | 6 | 6 | 1997-2020 | 0 | 0 | – | 17 of 67 |
| Extreme cold | 5 | 4 | 2007-2025 | 0 | 0 | – | 42 of 67 |
| Heat | 4 | 4 | 2006-2025 | 0 | 0 | – | 21 of 67 |
| Hurricanes and tropical storms | 1 | 1 | 2003-2003 | 0 | 0 | – | 9 of 67 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database (county and forecast-zone records attributed to the county; a zone record shows its own totals on each county it covers). Days: dates with at least one record of the hazard in the county. Ranks: days with a record per 1,000 square miles of land (Census Bureau 2024 Gazetteer), since 1950 for tornadoes, 1955 for hail and thunderstorm wind, 1996 for the rest.
How many tornadoes has Union County had?
NOAA records 12 tornadoes in Union County from 1985 to 2023, the strongest rated F3, with 2 deaths and 20 injuries recorded in the county. That is 21st of 67 Pennsylvania counties by days with tornadoes per 1,000 square miles since 1950. A tornado that crossed a county line is counted in each county it touched, with the length of its path inside the county.
Counted as whole tornadoes rather than county records, the Storm Prediction Center's database holds 12 tornadoes whose track touched Union County since 1950 (NOAA's county records number 12, the same count); along their whole tracks they killed 6 people, 2 of them in Union County.
| Date | Tornado | Rating | Path | Killed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985-05-31 19:25, as SPC files it | Dewart | F3 | 19 mi | 6 |
Map of the strongest tornado tracks in Pennsylvania.
Every tornado record filed for Union County (12)
| Date | Place | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-07-02 | Linntown, Union County | EF1 2.37 mi x 150 yd | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2023-07-02 | Mifflinburg, Union County | EF1 2.12 mi x 50 yd | 0 | 0 | $39K |
| 2023-07-02 | Swengel, Union County | EF1 1.47 mi x 150 yd | 0 | 0 | $15K |
| 2019-04-14 | Lochiel, Union County | EF1 1.45 mi x 150 yd | 0 | 0 | $115K |
| 2015-08-20 | Dice, Union County | EF1 0.19 mi x 100 yd | 0 | 0 | $50K |
| 2011-05-23 | Winfield, Union County | EF1 0.29 mi x 100 yd | 0 | 0 | $33K |
| 2009-07-11 | White Deer, Union County | EF0 1 mi x 50 yd | 0 | 0 | $7K |
| 2001-09-04 | Lewisburg, Union County | F1 2 mi x 300 yd | 0 | 0 | $100K |
| 1998-09-27 | New Columbia, Union County | F1 2.5 mi x 400 yd | 0 | 0 | – |
| 1997-07-18 | Lewisburg, Union County | F0 2.3 mi x 100 yd | 0 | 0 | – |
| 1997-07-18 | Lewisburg, Union County | F0 1 mi x 440 yd | 0 | 0 | – |
| 1985-05-31 | Union County | F3 4 mi x 910 yd | 2 | 20 | $25M step |
A damage figure marked "step" is a record from before 1993: NOAA then filed damage by category, and the figure is the category as entered, in the dollars of that year, not an estimate of the loss.
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, tornado records by county (path length in the county, maximum width); ratings as published: F scale before February 1, 2007, EF scale after. Whole-track figures: NOAA Storm Prediction Center tornado database (1950-2025). SPC severe weather database.
When was the last damaging storm in Union County?
The most recent record with damage, injuries or deaths is the June 6, 2026 thunderstorm wind ($1,500 in damage in 2025 dollars).
| Date | Record | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-06 | Thunderstorm WindLinntown, Union County | 52 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $2K |
| 2026-06-06 | Thunderstorm WindForesthill, Union County | 52 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $2K |
| 2026-02-22 | Winter WeatherUnion County · forecast zone Union | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2026-01-25 | Heavy SnowUnion County · forecast zone Union | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2025-06-23 | Excessive HeatUnion County · forecast zone Union | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2025-06-19 | Thunderstorm WindLewisburg, Union County | 52 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $5K |
| 2025-06-19 | Thunderstorm WindLinntown, Union County | 52 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $15K |
| 2025-01-21 | Cold/Wind ChillUnion County · forecast zone Union | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2023-08-07 | Thunderstorm WindWinfield, Union County | 65 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $24K |
| 2023-07-02 | TornadoLinntown, Union County | EF1 2.37 mi x 150 yd | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2023-07-02 | TornadoMifflinburg, Union County | EF1 2.12 mi x 50 yd | 0 | 0 | $39K |
| 2023-07-02 | TornadoSwengel, Union County | EF1 1.47 mi x 150 yd | 0 | 0 | $15K |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database; every record of 2025-2026 is listed, earlier ones when they caused deaths, injuries or $250,000 of damage (2025 dollars), and every tornado.
The deadliest and costliest records
| Date | Record | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985-05-31 | TornadoUnion County | F3 4 mi x 910 yd | 2 | 20 | $25M step |
| 1995-11-11 | Thunderstorm WindMifflinburg, Union County Roofs were damaged south of Mifflinburg. One fatality occurred when a farmer attempted to secure a barn roof that was being blown off by the winds. Wind gusted to 60 mph at Mifflinburg.(M52OU) | 1 | 0 | – | |
| 2023-02-21 | Thunderstorm WindWeikert, Union County A gusty rain shower produced winds estimated near 50 mph, causing the partial collapse of a garage that was under construction on Weikert Road a couple of miles east of the village of Weikert. One injury was reported. | 43 kt wind | 0 | 1 | $10K |
| 2012-07-07 | Thunderstorm WindMifflinburg, Union County Thunderstorm winds estimated near 60 mph knocked down trees and utility wires near Mifflinburg. One person was injured by the live wires. | 50 kt wind | 0 | 1 | $6K |
A damage figure marked "step" is a record from before 1993: NOAA then filed damage by category, and the figure is the category as entered, in the dollars of that year, not an estimate of the loss.
| Date | Record | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996-06-20 | Thunderstorm WindLoganton, Union County | 0 | 0 | $28M | |
| 1999-09-07 | Flash FloodEast Portion, Union County | 0 | 0 | $18M | |
| 1999-06-07 | Thunderstorm WindWest Milton, Union County | 0 | 0 | $266K | |
| 2019-04-14 | TornadoLochiel, Union County | EF1 1.45 mi x 150 yd | 0 | 0 | $115K |
| 2001-09-04 | TornadoLewisburg, Union County | F1 2 mi x 300 yd | 0 | 0 | $100K |
| 2015-08-20 | TornadoDice, Union County | EF1 0.19 mi x 100 yd | 0 | 0 | $50K |
| 2023-07-02 | TornadoMifflinburg, Union County | EF1 2.12 mi x 50 yd | 0 | 0 | $39K |
| 2011-04-28 | Thunderstorm WindMifflinburg, Union County | 65 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $26K |
Before 1993 NOAA filed damage by category, not amount, so the list above starts in 1993. The highest category filed here before then (entered as $25M, in the dollars of the day) holds: May 31, 1985 (tornado, Union County, 2 killed).
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database: deaths and injuries direct and indirect; damage is property plus crops as estimated by the National Weather Service, converted to 2025 dollars.
Is it getting more frequent?
Records per decade for Union County's most frequent hazards. Counts rose everywhere after 1996, when NOAA began recording every event type, so compare decades within a hazard's complete period only (the shaded cells come before it).
| Hazard | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | 2020-26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severe thunderstorm wind | 0 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 36 | 33 | 31 | 18 |
| Winter storms | – | – | – | – | 14 | 28 | 15 | 13 |
| Floods | – | – | – | – | 13 | 16 | 9 | 6 |
| Hail | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 0 |
| Tornadoes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| High wind and dust storms | – | – | – | – | 2 | 4 | 5 | 0 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records per calendar decade; zone records from the CZ_TYPE field (Z).
What time of year?
59% of its severe thunderstorm wind events since 1967 fell in June and July. The two busiest months are in violet.
The values, month by month
Jan 25 · Feb 32 · Mar 19 · Apr 18 · May 26 · Jun 48 · Jul 47 · Aug 27 · Sep 18 · Oct 5 · Nov 11 · Dec 20 (records).
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records by the month they began.
Federal disaster declarations for Union County
FEMA's register lists 18 declarations that include Union County: 12 major disasters, 6 emergencies and 0 fire management assistance declarations. Most were for flood (6) and hurricane (3).
| Declared | Number | Type | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-09-11 | DR-4815 | Tropical Storm | Tropical Storm Debby |
| 2020-03-30 | DR-4506 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| 2020-03-13 | EM-3441 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| 2012-10-29 | EM-3356 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| 2011-09-12 | DR-4030 | Flood | Tropical Storm Lee |
| 2011-09-08 | EM-3340 | Flood | Remnants of Tropical Storm Lee |
| 2005-09-10 | EM-3235 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina |
| 2004-09-19 | DR-1555 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding Associated With Tropical Depression Frances |
| 2004-09-19 | DR-1557 | Hurricane | Tropical Depression Ivan |
| 2003-03-14 | EM-3180 | Severe Storm | Snow |
| 1999-09-22 | DR-1298 | Flood | Tropical Depression Dennis Pa |
| 1996-01-21 | DR-1093 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| 1996-01-13 | DR-1085 | Snowstorm | Blizzard of 96 |
| 1994-03-10 | DR-1015 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| 1993-03-16 | EM-3105 | Snowstorm | Severe Snowfall & Winter Storm |
| 1985-06-03 | DR-737 | Tornado | Severe Storms, High Winds & Tornadoes |
| 1975-09-26 | DR-485 | Flood | Severe Storms, Heavy Rains & Flooding |
| 1972-06-23 | DR-340 | Flood | Tropical Storm Agnes |
Source: FEMA OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (v2), declarations through October 2, 2026; one declaration is counted once however many areas it names. OpenFEMA dataset page.
How many floods has Union County had?
NOAA's Storm Events Database holds 44 flood or flash flood records for Union County from 1996 to 2023, on 37 days, with 0 deaths. By flood insurance claims since 1978 (OpenFEMA, as of September 8, 2026), Union County ranks 345th of 2,942 U.S. counties.
| Storm | Began | Records | Deaths in the county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical Storm Lee | 2011-09-07 | 1 | 0 |
| Tropical Depression Dennis | 1999-09-07 | 1 | 0 |
The National Flood Insurance Program has paid $11.8 million on 927 claims filed in Union County; the most in one year was 214 in 1996. Claims count insured losses only: uninsured flood damage is not in this file.
The values, year by year
1978: 3 · 1979: 48 · 1981: 17 · 1982: 6 · 1983: 4 · 1984: 64 · 1988: 1 · 1993: 13 · 1994: 5 · 1995: 1 · 1996: 214 · 1997: 1 · 1999: 148 · 2002: 1 · 2004: 196 · 2005: 2 · 2006: 3 · 2007: 4 · 2008: 7 · 2010: 7 · 2011: 162 · 2017: 1 · 2018: 2 · 2021: 5 · 2022: 2 · 2024: 10; the other years: 0.
Source: FEMA OpenFEMA NFIP Redacted Claims, as of September 8, 2026; claims by year of loss, payments in the dollars of the year paid. OpenFEMA dataset page.
FEMA's modeled risk for Union County
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Union County Relatively Low overall, with an expected annual loss of $14.4 million. These are FEMA's model estimates of future loss from 18 hazards, not a count of what happened; they can differ from the record above.
| Hazard | Risk rating | Expected annual loss | Modeled frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate | $1.2M | 3.1 a year (modeled) |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate | $165K | 13 a year (modeled) |
| Hurricane | Relatively Low | $706K | once in about 19 years (modeled) |
| Riverine Flooding | Relatively Low | $11M | 1.3 a year (modeled) |
| Landslide | Relatively Low | $3K | once in about 4 years (modeled) |
| Lightning | Relatively Low | $208K | 34 a year (modeled) |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low | $225K | 2.8 modeled event-days a year |
| Tornado | Relatively Low | $499K | once in about 8 years (modeled) |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index, county table, December 2025 release. FEMA's National Risk Index map.
Counties that share a border with Union County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau county adjacency file; NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records since 1950. The Census Bureau's adjacency file.
Next
- Tornadoes in PennsylvaniaEvery Pennsylvania tornado since 1950 and the counties with the most per square mile
- Severe thunderstorm wind in PennsylvaniaThe state's severe thunderstorm wind events, by county, year and month
- The Pennsylvania recordEvery hazard in the state, its deadliest events and its federal declarations
- FEMA's risk rating for each hazard in Union CountyThe hazard risk calculator: 18 hazards beside the county's record
- Download Union County's FEMA declarations (CSV)18 rows: every declaration that named the county, for your own analysis