Washington County, Maryland Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MD
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 69th
Washington County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 68.8, 69th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $27M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Washington County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 68.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 69th 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 drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 3.21 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 0.08 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $217K in expected annual loss and about 13.69 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $27M in expected annual loss for a population of 155K.
Beyond physical exposure, Washington County has a medium 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.
History supports the rating: Washington County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 5 for hurricane events and 4 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 24 Maryland counties, Washington County ranks #9 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 3.21 / yr | $1M |
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.08 / yr | $4M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 13.69 / yr | $217K |
| Landslide | Low | 0.46 / yr | $15K |
| Heat Wave | Medium | 3.47 / yr | $1M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $1M |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 2.11 / yr | $14M |
| Lightning | Medium | 37.48 / yr | $491K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 6.37 / yr | $881K |
| Hail | Low | 3.30 / yr | $473K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.26 / yr | $2M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $22K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $139 |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.90 / yr | $465K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.73 / yr | $32K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Washington County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (5), Snowstorm (4), Flood (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2018 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| March 2016 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| November 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| August 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| May 2010 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorms |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
Showing the 10 most recent of 17 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Washington County?
Washington County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 68.8 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 69th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Washington County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $1M EAL), Hurricane (Medium, $4M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $217K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Washington County compare to other Maryland counties?
Washington County ranks #9 of 24 Maryland counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Washington County had?
FEMA records 17 federal disaster declarations for Washington County since 1972, most often 5 for hurricane events and 4 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. Washington County's $27M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.