Elkridge, Maryland: natural disaster risk
How exposed Elkridge is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Howard County.
Elkridge is a community of 26,283 people in Howard County, Maryland. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Howard County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, heat wave and hurricane, with about $52 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 624 storm reports in the county since 1969, including 20 tornadoes and 161 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 2 hurricanes and 14 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Howard County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Elkridge
Full Howard 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.
- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $30M | |
| Heat wave | $5M | |
| Hurricane | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Drought | $1M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $845K | |
| Ice storm | $217K |
Homes in Elkridge
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 Howard County
More cities in Howard County
Common questions about Elkridge
Is Elkridge safe from natural disasters?
Elkridge is in Howard County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, heat wave, hurricane. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Elkridge?
By expected yearly losses in Howard County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), heat wave (Moderate), hurricane (Low). Howard County has been part of 20 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Elkridge get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 20 tornadoes in Howard County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on September 24, 2001 near North Laurel. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Elkridge?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Howard County, about 0.8% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.