Bowie, Maryland: natural disaster risk
How exposed Bowie is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Prince George's County.
Bowie is a city of 57,926 people in Prince George's County, Maryland. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Prince George's County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, heat wave and tornado, with about $122 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 977 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 26 tornadoes and 216 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 1 hurricane and 18 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Prince George's County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Bowie
Full Prince George's County 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.
- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $65M | |
| Heat wave | $12M | |
| Tornado | $11M | |
| Hurricane | $11M | |
| Earthquake | $8M | |
| Lightning | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $3M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Drought | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $392K |
Homes in Bowie
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 Prince George's County
More cities in Prince George's County
Common questions about Bowie
Is Bowie safe from natural disasters?
Bowie is in Prince George's County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, heat wave, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Bowie?
By expected yearly losses in Prince George's County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), heat wave (High), tornado (High). Prince George's County has been part of 17 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Bowie get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 26 tornadoes in Prince George's County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on September 24, 2001 near Hyattsville. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Bowie?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Prince George's County, about 0.9% 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.