Cecil County, Maryland Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MD
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 59th
Cecil County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 58.6, 59th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $23M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Cecil County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 58.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 59th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Cecil County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 7.09 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $375K in expected annual loss and about 10.74 events per year; and strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 7.32 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $23M in expected annual loss for a population of 104K.
Beyond physical exposure, Cecil County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Cecil County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 7 for hurricane events and 6 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 24 Maryland counties, Cecil County ranks #14 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 7.09 / yr | $2M |
| Winter Weather | High | 10.74 / yr | $375K |
| Strong Wind | High | 7.32 / yr | $2M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 5.51 / yr | $2M |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.07 / yr | $2M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $953K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 1.19 / yr | $209K |
| Lightning | Medium | 35.31 / yr | $396K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 2.50 / yr | $11M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.15 / yr | $3K |
| Coastal Flood | Low | 3.66 / yr | $391K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.84 / yr | $1M |
| Tornado | Low | 0.27 / yr | $1M |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.79 / yr | $150K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $12K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Cecil County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (7), Snowstorm (6), Flood (4).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| March 2016 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| November 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| October 2011 | Flood | Remnants of Tropical Storm Lee |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| August 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| May 2010 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorms |
Showing the 10 most recent of 21 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Cecil County?
Cecil County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 58.6 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 59th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Cecil County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $2M EAL), Winter Weather (High, $375K EAL), Strong Wind (High, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Cecil County compare to other Maryland counties?
Cecil County ranks #14 of 24 Maryland counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Cecil County had?
FEMA records 21 federal disaster declarations for Cecil County since 1972, most often 7 for hurricane events and 6 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm, declared in January 2026.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Cecil County's $23M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.