Natural Disaster Risk in Highland

Natural Hazard Profile: Highland, Maryland

Highland, in Howard County, is a town of roughly 3,221 residents situated along the mid-Atlantic coast. Its humid subtropical climate brings warm summers, mild winters, and coastal storm exposure, and in particular tropical storm and nor'easter impacts. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Highland residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Highland carries an overall risk score of 6.9/10, placing it in the high category. Winter weather is the dominant natural hazard, with the area facing heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and bitter cold that can immobilize infrastructure and create dangerous travel conditions. The area also faces notable exposure to heat and wind.

Within Maryland, Highland's risk is, slightly above the 6.5/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Howard County identifies winter as the foremost hazard, followed by heat and wind. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Highland residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for winter and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.