Because of the proximity of the mountains, the climate is relatively cool in summer with frequent shower and thunderstorm activity, usually of brief duration. The winter temperatures in the valley are not severe. The occurrence of sub-zero temperatures and severe snowstorms is infrequent. A high percentage of the winter precipitation occurs as rain. Although severe snowstorms are infrequent, when they do occur they approach blizzard conditions.
High winds cause huge drifts and normal routines are disrupted for several days.
While the incidence of tornadoes is very low, Wilkes-Barre has occasionally been hit with these storms which caused loss of life and great property damage. The area has felt the effects of tropical storms. Considerable wind damage has occasionally occurred, but the most devastating damage has come from flooding caused by the large amounts of precipitation deposited by the storms. The worst natural disaster to hit the region was the result of the flooding caused by a hurricane.