Frederick, Maryland: natural disaster risk
How exposed Frederick is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Frederick County.
Frederick is a city of 83,395 people in Frederick County, Maryland. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Frederick County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and heat wave, with about $49.9 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,113 storm reports in the county since 1952, including 38 tornadoes and 291 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 2 hurricanes and 12 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Frederick County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Frederick
Full Frederick 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.
- 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.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $32M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Hurricane | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Drought | $898K | |
| Cold wave | $710K | |
| Winter weather | $645K | |
| Ice storm | $151K |
Homes in Frederick
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 Frederick County
More cities in Frederick County
Common questions about Frederick
Is Frederick safe from natural disasters?
Frederick is in Frederick County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, heat wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Frederick?
By expected yearly losses in Frederick County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Moderate), heat wave (Moderate). Frederick County has been part of 21 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Frederick get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 38 tornadoes in Frederick County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on May 22, 1983. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Frederick?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Frederick County, about 0.6% 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.