Howard County, Maryland Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MD
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 72th
Howard County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 72.4, 72th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and heat wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $52M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Howard County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 72.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 72nd 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $845K in expected annual loss and about 12.05 events per year; heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Medium risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 5.32 events per year; and strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 8.04 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $52M in expected annual loss for a population of 332K.
Beyond physical exposure, Howard County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very 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 federal record bears this out: Howard County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1971, including 6 for flood events and 5 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 24 Maryland counties, Howard County ranks #8 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Winter Weather | High | 12.05 / yr | $845K |
| Heat Wave | Medium | 5.32 / yr | $5M |
| Strong Wind | High | 8.04 / yr | $3M |
| Lightning | High | 38.41 / yr | $1M |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.10 / yr | $4M |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 2.57 / yr | $30M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Medium | 5.33 / yr | $1M |
| Hail | Low | 3.68 / yr | $1M |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.89 / yr | $217K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.60 / yr | $2M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.24 / yr | $3K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.19 / yr | $2M |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $632 |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $9K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Howard County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1971, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Flood (6), Snowstorm (5), Hurricane (5).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2018 | Flood | Severe Storm and Flooding |
| September 2016 | Flood | Severe Storm and Flooding |
| March 2016 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| April 2014 | Severe Storm | Snowstorm |
| November 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| October 2011 | Flood | Remnants of Tropical Storm Lee |
Showing the 10 most recent of 22 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Howard County?
Howard County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 72.4 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 72th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Howard County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (High, $845K EAL), Heat Wave (Medium, $5M EAL), Strong Wind (High, $3M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Howard County compare to other Maryland counties?
Howard County ranks #8 of 24 Maryland counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Howard County had?
FEMA records 22 federal disaster declarations for Howard County since 1971, most often 6 for flood events and 5 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. Howard County's $52M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.