Olney, Maryland: natural disaster risk
How exposed Olney is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Montgomery County.
Olney is a community of 35,797 people in Montgomery County, Maryland. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Montgomery County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and heat wave, with about $126 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,629 storm reports in the county since 1952, including 28 tornadoes and 429 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 2 hurricanes and 13 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 Montgomery County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Olney
Full Montgomery 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.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $71M | |
| Hurricane | $12M | |
| Heat wave | $11M | |
| Earthquake | $8M | |
| Cold wave | $6M | |
| Tornado | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $4M | |
| Hail | $3M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Drought | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $266K |
Homes in Olney
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 Montgomery County
Common questions about Olney
Is Olney safe from natural disasters?
Olney is in Montgomery County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, 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 Olney?
By expected yearly losses in Montgomery County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), hurricane (Moderate), heat wave (High). Montgomery County has been part of 19 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Olney get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 28 tornadoes in Montgomery County since 1950; the strongest was an EF1 tornado on June 5, 2024 near Quince Orchard. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Olney?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Montgomery County, about 0.8% 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.