Worcester County, Maryland Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MD
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 68th
Worcester County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 68.2, 68th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and coastal flood exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $26M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Worcester County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 68.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 68th 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 Worcester County's expected losses come from hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $11M in expected annual loss and about 0.23 events per year; coastal flood (seawater inundation from storm surge, high tides, and rising sea levels) at High risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 3.65 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $149K in expected annual loss and about 5.28 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $26M in expected annual loss for a population of 52K.
Beyond physical exposure, Worcester County has a medium 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 county's disaster history tells the same story: Worcester County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 6 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, Worcester County ranks #10 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.23 / yr | $11M |
| Coastal Flood | High | 3.65 / yr | $5M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 5.28 / yr | $149K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 1.16 / yr | $2M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $119K |
| Drought | Medium | 2.83 / yr | $379K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.34 / yr | $112K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 4.17 / yr | $470K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.86 / yr | $6M |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $255K |
| Lightning | Low | 32.95 / yr | $148K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.83 / yr | $299K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.12 / yr | $151K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.06 / yr | $66 |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.47 / yr | $36K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Worcester County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (6), Snowstorm (4), Biological (2).
| 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 |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| August 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| September 2003 | Hurricane | Hurricane Isabel |
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 Worcester County?
Worcester County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 68.2 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 68th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Worcester County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Medium, $11M EAL), Coastal Flood (High, $5M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $149K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Worcester County compare to other Maryland counties?
Worcester County ranks #10 of 24 Maryland counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Worcester County had?
FEMA records 14 federal disaster declarations for Worcester County since 1972, most often 6 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. Worcester County's $26M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.