Natural Disaster Risk in Washington County

Natural Hazard Profile: Washington County, Maryland

Situated in the United States, Washington County in Maryland experiences a humid subtropical climate marked by warm summers, mild winters, and coastal storm exposure. Tropical storm and nor'easter impacts is a defining feature of the regional hazard profile that affects residents and property owners countywide.

Washington County's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.8/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane risk defines the natural hazard environment here, requiring residents to maintain seasonal preparedness plans and insurance coverage for wind and flood damage. Secondary hazards include drought and avalanche.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Washington County's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, near the 6.5/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by hurricane and drought, as measured by FEMA across Washington County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Washington County residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for hurricane 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.