Salisbury, Maryland: natural disaster risk
How exposed Salisbury is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Wicomico County.
Salisbury is a city of 33,285 people in Wicomico County, Maryland. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Wicomico County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are hurricane, inland flooding and cold wave, with about $24.1 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 306 storm reports in the county since 1958, including 11 tornadoes and 30 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 5 hurricanes and 30 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Wicomico County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Salisbury
Full Wicomico County report ›- 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 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | $11M | |
| Inland flooding | $6M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Drought | $793K | |
| Heat wave | $747K | |
| Tornado | $701K | |
| Lightning | $556K | |
| Earthquake | $510K | |
| Wildfire | $482K | |
| Coastal flooding | $432K | |
| Strong wind | $398K | |
| Winter weather | $217K |
Homes in Salisbury
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 Wicomico County
Common questions about Salisbury
Is Salisbury safe from natural disasters?
Salisbury is in Wicomico County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are hurricane, inland flooding, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Salisbury?
By expected yearly losses in Wicomico County, the top hazards are hurricane (Moderate), inland flooding (Low), cold wave (Low). Wicomico County has been part of 12 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Salisbury get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 11 tornadoes in Wicomico County since 1950; the strongest was an EF2 tornado on August 4, 2020 near Mardela Spgs. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Salisbury?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Wicomico County, about 1.3% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.