Hagerstown, Maryland: natural disaster risk
How exposed Hagerstown is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Washington County.
Hagerstown is a city of 43,665 people in Washington County, Maryland. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Washington County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and tornado, with about $26.9 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 672 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 15 tornadoes and 105 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 2 hurricanes and 12 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Washington County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Hagerstown
Full Washington 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.
- 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.
- 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 | $14M | |
| Hurricane | $4M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Drought | $1M | |
| Earthquake | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $881K | |
| Lightning | $491K | |
| Hail | $473K | |
| Cold wave | $465K | |
| Winter weather | $217K | |
| Ice storm | $32K |
Homes in Hagerstown
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 Washington County
Common questions about Hagerstown
Is Hagerstown safe from natural disasters?
Hagerstown is in Washington County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Hagerstown?
By expected yearly losses in Washington County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), hurricane (Moderate), tornado (Low). Washington County has been part of 15 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Hagerstown get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 15 tornadoes in Washington County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on July 19, 1996 near Yarrowsburg. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Hagerstown?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Washington County, about 0.5% 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.