Somerset County, Maryland Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MD
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 60th
Somerset County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 59.6, 60th national percentile), driven primarily by coastal flood and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $17M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Somerset County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 59.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 60th 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 coastal flood (seawater inundation from storm surge, high tides, and rising sea levels) at High risk — $7M in expected annual loss and about 3.67 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 0.22 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $602K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $17M in expected annual loss for a population of 25K.
Beyond physical exposure, Somerset County has a high 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). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
History supports the rating: Somerset County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 7 for hurricane events and 3 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 24 Maryland counties, Somerset County ranks #12 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Coastal Flood | High | 3.67 / yr | $7M |
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.22 / yr | $5M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $602K |
| Drought | Medium | 4.46 / yr | $337K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.05 / yr | $867K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.34 / yr | $58K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 5.18 / yr | $35K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $111K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 3.96 / yr | $165K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.50 / yr | $289K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.46 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.95 / yr | $67K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 35.88 / yr | $63K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.21 / yr | $145K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $7 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Somerset County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (7), Snowstorm (3), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| November 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| August 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| September 2003 | Hurricane | Hurricane Isabel |
| September 1999 | Hurricane | Hurricane Floyd Major Disaster Declarations |
Showing the 10 most recent of 14 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Somerset County?
Somerset County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 59.6 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 60th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Somerset County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Coastal Flood (High, $7M EAL), Hurricane (Medium, $5M EAL), Wildfire (Low, $602K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Somerset County compare to other Maryland counties?
Somerset County ranks #12 of 24 Maryland counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Somerset County had?
FEMA records 14 federal disaster declarations for Somerset County since 1972, most often 7 for hurricane events and 3 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. Somerset County's $17M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.