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Natural hazard risk in Anne Arundel County, Maryland

Updated October 30, 2026. Based on FEMA, NOAA and OpenFEMA data. Published by Humblebee.

FEMA overall Risk Index rating: Relatively Moderate (score 81.8 of 100)[5]

Expected annual loss (FEMA)
$74.7 million[1]
Federal disaster declarations since 1971
21[2]
NFIP flood claims paid, 1978 to 2026
$53.1 million[3]
Tornadoes recorded, 1950 to 2024
27[4]

FEMA's National Risk Index rates overall natural hazard risk in Anne Arundel County as Relatively Moderate, with a score of 81.8 out of 100[5]. The hazards with the highest FEMA scores within the county are winter weather, lightning and heat wave[6].

FEMA risk ratings for each hazard

Ratings and expected losses from the FEMA National Risk Index. Each rating compares this county with all US counties for that hazard, from Very Low to Very High. They are planning estimates, not predictions, and they do not describe any single property.

FEMA rates risk by comparing each county with all other US counties[7]. FEMA's National Risk Index estimates Expected Annual Loss from all 18 natural hazards at $74.7 million a year[1]. By FEMA's estimate, the largest parts of that loss come from inland flooding ($33.3 million a year), hurricane ($8.3 million a year) and heat wave ($7.3 million a year)[8]. Expected Annual Loss is FEMA's estimate of average yearly loss, and the index is not meant to predict next year's damage[7]. FEMA rates Social Vulnerability as Very Low[9]. FEMA rates Community Resilience as Very High[10].

Hazards sorted by FEMA hazard-type Risk Index score, highest first
HazardFEMA risk ratingExpected annual loss
Winter WeatherRelatively High$1.3 million[11]
LightningRelatively High$2.6 million[12]
Heat WaveRelatively Moderate$7.3 million[13]
Strong WindRelatively High$3.5 million[14]
HurricaneRelatively Moderate$8.3 million[15]
EarthquakeRelatively Low$3.7 million[16]
TornadoRelatively Moderate$7.0 million[17]
Inland FloodingRelatively Moderate$33.3 million[18]
LandslideRelatively Low$23,000[19]
HailRelatively Moderate$1.1 million[20]
DroughtRelatively Moderate$1.1 million[21]
Coastal FloodingRelatively Moderate$2.2 million[22]
Ice StormRelatively Moderate$309,000[23]
Cold WaveRelatively Moderate$2.9 million[24]
WildfireVery Low$33,000[25]

Rated Not Applicable by FEMA for this county: avalanche, volcanic activity[26].

Social vulnerability and community resilience

FEMA uses these two ratings to scale expected losses into the Risk Index.

FEMA measureRatingScore
Social vulnerabilityVery Low10.6[9]
Community resilienceVery High88.9[10]

Flooding and flood insurance

FEMA rates inland flooding risk as Relatively Moderate (score 80.9)[18]. FEMA rates coastal flooding risk as Relatively Moderate (score 73.2)[22]. OpenFEMA lists 4,442 residential flood insurance contracts in force as of 2026-08-03, out of 176,381 residential structures[27]. OpenFEMA NFIP claims data show 2,825 claims filed for losses from 1978 to 2026, and NFIP paid $53.1 million in total[3]. Flood zones apply to single properties, so use FEMA's Flood Map Service Center to look up an address[28].

Measure Value
Inland Flooding, FEMA risk rating[18] Relatively Moderate, $33.3 million expected loss a year
Coastal Flooding, FEMA risk rating[22] Relatively Moderate, $2.2 million expected loss a year
NFIP residential flood policies in force (2026)[27] 4,442 of 176,381 homes
Homes in FEMA's mapped high-risk flood area (SFHA)[27] 1,499, of which 1,698 insured
NFIP flood claims, 1978 to 2026[3] 2,825 filed, $53.1 million paid

Is a specific address in a flood zone? Only FEMA's flood maps answer that, property by property[28]. This page describes the whole county.

Search an address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center

Disaster declarations and tornado records

OpenFEMA lists 21 federal disaster declarations for natural hazards that include Anne Arundel County since 1971[2]. By incident type these are snowstorm 7, hurricane 6, flood 4, severe storm 3 and winter storm 1[2]. The most recent is a Severe Winter Storm emergency declared 2026-01-24[29]. NOAA's tornado database records 27 tornadoes touching the county from 1950 to 2024[4].

Federal disaster declarations for natural hazards that include Anne Arundel County, since 1971
Incident type Declarations
Snowstorm[2] 7
Hurricane[2] 6
Flood[2] 4
Severe Storm[2] 3
Winter Storm[2] 1
Most recent declarations
Declaration Incident Declared
EM-3634-MD[29] Severe Winter Storm 2026-01-24
DR-4261-MD[29] Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm 2016-03-04
DR-4091-MD[29] Hurricane Sandy 2012-11-20
EM-3349-MD[29] Hurricane Sandy 2012-10-28
DR-4038-MD[29] Remnants Of Tropical Storm Lee 2011-10-05

How to prepare

Steps from Ready.gov, FEMA's preparedness site, for the hazards with the highest FEMA ratings here. Follow instructions from local officials and the National Weather Service when a warning is issued.

Winter storms and cold

Before

  • Insulate your home and learn how to keep pipes from freezing.
  • Install and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup.
  • Keep several days of supplies in case the power goes out, including medication and pet needs.
  • Put an emergency kit in your car with jumper cables, sand, blankets, water and snacks, and keep the tank full.

During

  • Under a winter storm warning, find shelter right away.
  • Stay off the roads if you can. If you are stuck in your car, stay inside it.
  • Run generators and grills only outdoors, away from windows, and never heat your home with an oven or stove.

Source: Ready.gov, winter storms and cold

Extreme heat

Before

  • Learn the signs of heat illness and how to respond.
  • Do not rely on a fan as your main way to stay cool. Fans do not lower body temperature.
  • Find cool public places, such as libraries or malls, or ask your local health department.
  • Keep heat out with window shades, weather stripping and insulation.
  • If you cannot afford cooling costs, contact LIHEAP for help.

During

  • Never leave a person or an animal in a parked car in warm weather.
  • If your home has no air conditioning, go to a cooling center.
  • Wear light, loose clothing, drink plenty of fluids and avoid hard outdoor work in the middle of the day.

Source: Ready.gov, extreme heat

Hurricanes

Before

  • Know your hurricane risk, including rain, wind and tornadoes far inland from landfall.
  • Learn your evacuation zone and routes, and practice them with your household and pets.
  • Keep insurance policies and ID current, with password-protected digital copies.
  • Clear drains and gutters, bring in outdoor furniture and consider hurricane shutters.
  • Keep your phone charged, buy backup chargers and gather supplies, including medication and pet supplies.

During

  • If you are in a mandatory evacuation zone and officials order an evacuation, leave right away.
  • For high winds, take shelter in a designated storm shelter or an interior room.
  • If you are trapped by flooding, go to the highest level, but do not climb into a closed attic.

Source: Ready.gov, hurricanes

Questions people ask

Is Anne Arundel County at risk of flooding?
FEMA rates inland flooding as Relatively Moderate compared with other US counties[18]. FEMA rates coastal flooding as Relatively Moderate[22]. Inland flooding makes up the largest share of FEMA's Expected Annual Loss, at $33.3 million a year[8].
How many disasters have been declared in Anne Arundel County?
OpenFEMA lists 21 federal disaster declarations for natural hazards since 1971[2].
Does Anne Arundel County get tornadoes?
NOAA's tornado database records 27 tornadoes touching the county from 1950 to 2024[4]. FEMA rates tornado risk Relatively Moderate compared with other US counties[17].
Is Anne Arundel County at risk of wildfire or earthquakes?
FEMA rates wildfire risk Very Low[25]. FEMA rates earthquake risk Relatively Low[16].
How do I check a flood zone for an address?
Use FEMA's Flood Map Service Center or ask the local floodplain manager[28].

Facts and sources

  1. FEMA National Risk Index (version 1.20, December 2025): Expected Annual Loss from all 18 natural hazards in Anne Arundel County is $74.7 million a year (Expected Annual Loss rating Relatively Moderate, score 88.2). Of this, buildings account for $49.6 million, injuries and deaths (converted to dollars by FEMA) for... FEMA National Risk Index
  2. OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries list 21 federal disaster declarations for natural hazards that include Anne Arundel County since 1971 (15 major disaster, 6 emergency or fire management). By incident type: snowstorm 7, hurricane 6, flood 4, severe storm 3, winter storm 1. Biological (such as COVID-19) and... OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations
  3. HazardFacts tally of OpenFEMA NFIP Redacted Claims (losses from 1978 to 2026): 2,825 National Flood Insurance Program claims were filed for losses in Anne Arundel County, 2,020 of them with a payment, and NFIP paid $53.1 million in total (building, contents and increased cost of compliance, in dollars of the year... OpenFEMA NFIP claims
  4. NOAA Storm Prediction Center tornado database (1950 to 2024): 27 recorded tornadoes touched Anne Arundel County. The strongest were rated F3 (most recent of them on 1961-06-09). 1 were rated F3/EF3 or stronger. The most recent recorded tornado was on 2022-07-05. Ratings used the Fujita scale until early 2007 and... NOAA Storm Prediction Center
  5. FEMA National Risk Index (version 1.20, December 2025): the overall natural hazard Risk Index rating for Anne Arundel County is Relatively Moderate, with a Risk Index score of 81.8 out of 100. The score is the county's percentile rank among all US counties. FEMA National Risk Index
  6. Among the 18 hazards in the FEMA National Risk Index (version 1.20, December 2025), the hazards with the highest hazard-type Risk Index scores for Anne Arundel County are winter weather (95.9, Relatively High), lightning (93.8, Relatively High), heat wave (93.2, Relatively Moderate). HazardFacts sorted FEMA's... FEMA National Risk Index
  7. FEMA's National Risk Index FAQ (December 2025): Expected Annual Loss is FEMA's estimate of the average economic loss in dollars from natural hazards each year. The index is not meant to predict how much damage a community will have in the next year, and a hazard can still cause damage where a rating is low. Scores... FEMA National Risk Index documentation
  8. HazardFacts sorted FEMA's hazard-type Expected Annual Loss values for Anne Arundel County (National Risk Index v1.20): the largest are inland flooding ($33.3 million a year), hurricane ($8.3 million a year), heat wave ($7.3 million a year), out of $74.7 million a year from all 18 hazards. FEMA National Risk Index
  9. FEMA National Risk Index (version 1.20, December 2025): Social Vulnerability rating for Anne Arundel County is Very Low (score 10.6). FEMA describes social vulnerability as how susceptible social groups are to the harm natural hazards cause. FEMA National Risk Index
  10. FEMA National Risk Index (version 1.20, December 2025): Community Resilience rating for Anne Arundel County is Very High (score 88.9). FEMA describes community resilience as a community's ability to prepare for, withstand and recover from hazards. FEMA National Risk Index
  11. FEMA National Risk Index (version 1.20, December 2025), winter weather in Anne Arundel County: Risk Index rating Relatively High (score 95.9 of 100). Expected Annual Loss $1.3 million a year (rating Very High). Annualized frequency 9.52 events per year, from recorded occurrences over a period of record of 18 years. FEMA National Risk Index
  12. FEMA National Risk Index (version 1.20, December 2025), lightning in Anne Arundel County: Risk Index rating Relatively High (score 93.8 of 100). Expected Annual Loss $2.6 million a year (rating Relatively High). Annualized frequency 39.89 events per year, from recorded occurrences over a period of record of 24 years. FEMA National Risk Index
  13. FEMA National Risk Index (version 1.20, December 2025), heat wave in Anne Arundel County: Risk Index rating Relatively Moderate (score 93.2 of 100). Expected Annual Loss $7.3 million a year (rating Relatively Moderate). Annualized frequency 6.29 event-days per year, from recorded occurrences over a period of record... FEMA National Risk Index
  14. FEMA National Risk Index (version 1.20, December 2025), strong wind in Anne Arundel County: Risk Index rating Relatively High (score 91.1 of 100). Expected Annual Loss $3.5 million a year (rating Relatively High). Annualized frequency 7.74 events per year, from recorded occurrences over a period of record of 38 years. FEMA National Risk Index
  15. FEMA National Risk Index (version 1.20, December 2025), hurricane in Anne Arundel County: Risk Index rating Relatively Moderate (score 87.1 of 100). Expected Annual Loss $8.3 million a year (rating Relatively Moderate). Annualized frequency 0.09 events per year, from recorded occurrences over a period of record of... FEMA National Risk Index
  16. FEMA National Risk Index (version 1.20, December 2025), earthquake in Anne Arundel County: Risk Index rating Relatively Low (score 83.2 of 100). Expected Annual Loss $3.7 million a year (rating Relatively Moderate). FEMA's modeled annual frequency is 0.0013 events per year. FEMA National Risk Index
  17. FEMA National Risk Index (version 1.20, December 2025), tornado in Anne Arundel County: Risk Index rating Relatively Moderate (score 82.0 of 100). Expected Annual Loss $7.0 million a year (rating Relatively Moderate). Annualized frequency 0.43 events per year, from recorded occurrences over a period of record of 38... FEMA National Risk Index
  18. FEMA National Risk Index (version 1.20, December 2025), inland flooding in Anne Arundel County: Risk Index rating Relatively Moderate (score 80.9 of 100). Expected Annual Loss $33.3 million a year (rating Relatively Moderate). Annualized frequency 3.64 event-days per year, from recorded occurrences over a period of... FEMA National Risk Index
  19. FEMA National Risk Index (version 1.20, December 2025), landslide in Anne Arundel County: Risk Index rating Relatively Low (score 79.0 of 100). Expected Annual Loss $23,000 a year (rating Relatively Low). FEMA National Risk Index
  20. FEMA National Risk Index (version 1.20, December 2025), hail in Anne Arundel County: Risk Index rating Relatively Moderate (score 74.1 of 100). Expected Annual Loss $1.1 million a year (rating Relatively Moderate). Annualized frequency 3.38 events per year, from recorded occurrences over a period of record of 37... FEMA National Risk Index
  21. FEMA National Risk Index (version 1.20, December 2025), drought in Anne Arundel County: Risk Index rating Relatively Moderate (score 74.0 of 100). Expected Annual Loss $1.1 million a year (rating Relatively Moderate). Annualized frequency 4.47 event-days per year, from recorded occurrences over a period of record... FEMA National Risk Index
  22. FEMA National Risk Index (version 1.20, December 2025), coastal flooding in Anne Arundel County: Risk Index rating Relatively Moderate (score 73.2 of 100). Expected Annual Loss $2.2 million a year (rating Relatively Moderate). FEMA's modeled annual frequency is 3.6581 events per year. FEMA National Risk Index
  23. FEMA National Risk Index (version 1.20, December 2025), ice storm in Anne Arundel County: Risk Index rating Relatively Moderate (score 67.4 of 100). Expected Annual Loss $309,000 a year (rating Relatively Moderate). Annualized frequency 0.43 event-days per year, from recorded occurrences over a period of record of... FEMA National Risk Index
  24. FEMA National Risk Index (version 1.20, December 2025), cold wave in Anne Arundel County: Risk Index rating Relatively Moderate (score 66.3 of 100). Expected Annual Loss $2.9 million a year (rating Relatively Moderate). Annualized frequency 1.22 event-days per year, from recorded occurrences over a period of record... FEMA National Risk Index
  25. FEMA National Risk Index (version 1.20, December 2025), wildfire in Anne Arundel County: Risk Index rating Very Low (score 35.9 of 100). Expected Annual Loss $33,000 a year (rating Very Low). FEMA's modeled annual frequency is 0.0001 events per year. FEMA National Risk Index
  26. FEMA National Risk Index (version 1.20, December 2025) rates these hazards Not Applicable for Anne Arundel County: avalanche, volcanic activity. FEMA uses Not Applicable when its source data has no historical record of the hazard in the community and the hazard is not considered geographically possible there. FEMA National Risk Index documentation
  27. NFIP Residential Penetration Rates (OpenFEMA, as of 2026-08-03): 4,442 residential flood insurance contracts were in force in Anne Arundel County, out of 176,381 residential structures, a penetration rate of 2.5%. Inside FEMA's mapped Special Flood Hazard Area there were 1,499 residential structures and 1,698... OpenFEMA NFIP penetration rates
  28. FEMA's Flood Map Service Center is the official public source for flood maps (Flood Insurance Rate Maps) produced under the National Flood Insurance Program. Flood zones apply to specific properties: look up an address there or ask the local floodplain manager. County-level ratings do not tell you the flood zone of... FEMA Flood Map Service Center
  29. Most recent federal disaster declarations for natural hazards (table on this page). OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations

FEMA's National Risk Index compares each county with all other US counties. Ratings are relative (Very Low to Very High), not a measure of safety. Never call a place safe, unsafe, good or bad to live in. Risk Index and Expected Annual Loss values are FEMA estimates for planning. They do not predict next year's losses and do not apply to a single property. Flood zones are set by FEMA flood maps for specific properties. County ratings and flood insurance counts do not tell anyone whether an address is in a flood zone. Disaster declaration, NFIP and tornado counts are records of the past for this county only. Do not compare with other counties unless a fact does.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Risk Index Dataset: National Risk Index Counties, v1.20 (December 2025). Retrieved from fema.maps.arcgis.com on October 30, 2026. This product uses the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Risk Index dataset API or downloadable datasets but is not endorsed by FEMA. The Federal Government or FEMA cannot vouch for the data or analyses derived from these data after the data have been retrieved from the Agency's website(s). This product uses the FEMA OpenFEMA API, but is not endorsed by FEMA.