Baltimore, Maryland: natural disaster risk
How exposed Baltimore is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Baltimore City.
Baltimore is a city of 573,243 people in Baltimore City, Maryland. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Baltimore City relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, heat wave and cold wave, with about $136 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 278 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 7 tornadoes and 75 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 1 hurricane and 17 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Baltimore City. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Baltimore
Full Baltimore City report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $52M | |
| Heat wave | $38M | |
| Cold wave | $12M | |
| Tornado | $10M | |
| Hurricane | $10M | |
| Earthquake | $7M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $944K | |
| Coastal flooding | $559K | |
| Ice storm | $248K |
Homes in Baltimore
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Baltimore City
Common questions about Baltimore
Is Baltimore safe from natural disasters?
Baltimore is in Baltimore City, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, heat wave, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Baltimore?
By expected yearly losses in Baltimore City, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), heat wave (High), cold wave (High). Baltimore City has been part of 20 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Baltimore get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 7 tornadoes in Baltimore City since 1950; the strongest was an EF1 tornado on November 2, 2018 near Penn Mary Jct. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Baltimore?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Baltimore City, about 0.3% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.