Natural Disasters in Essex, MD
Hazard risk, disaster history, and FEMA data
Natural Hazard Risk
Source: FEMA National Risk IndexRisk Score
94.0
Relatively Moderate
Expected Annual Loss
94.3
Score (0-100)
Social Vulnerability
32.0
Score (0-100)
Community Resilience
87.5
Score (0-100)
Top Hazard Risks
| Hazard | Risk Score |
|---|---|
| Winter Weather | 99.7 |
| Heat Wave | 99.2 |
| Lightning | 98.0 |
| Strong Wind | 95.8 |
| Hurricane | 92.7 |
| Earthquake | 92.4 |
| Cold Wave | 89.3 |
| Hail | 86.0 |
| Drought | 82.3 |
| Tornado | 80.4 |
| Landslide | 74.1 |
| Coastal Flood | 73.8 |
| Ice Storm | 69.1 |
| Wildfire | 39.5 |
| Avalanche | 9.9 |
Scores range from 0 (lowest risk) to 100 (highest risk) relative to all U.S. communities. Data from FEMA National Risk Index.
Disaster Declarations
Source: FEMA OpenFEMATotal Declarations
24
Most Recent
Winter Storm
Jan 2026
Most Common Type
Snowstorm
6 declarations
| Date | Type | Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 24, 2026 | Winter Storm | SEVERE WINTER STORM |
| Mar 26, 2020 | Biological | COVID-19 PANDEMIC |
| Mar 13, 2020 | Biological | COVID-19 |
| Jul 2, 2018 | Flood | SEVERE STORM AND FLOODING |
| Mar 4, 2016 | Snowstorm | SEVERE WINTER STORM AND SNOWSTORM |
| Apr 10, 2014 | Severe Storm | SNOWSTORM |
| Nov 20, 2012 | Hurricane | HURRICANE SANDY |
| Oct 28, 2012 | Hurricane | HURRICANE SANDY |
| Oct 5, 2011 | Flood | REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM LEE |
| Sep 16, 2011 | Hurricane | HURRICANE IRENE |
| Aug 27, 2011 | Hurricane | HURRICANE IRENE |
| May 6, 2010 | Snowstorm | SEVERE WINTER STORMS AND SNOWSTORMS |
| Feb 19, 2010 | Snowstorm | SEVERE WINTER STORM AND SNOWSTORM |
| Sep 13, 2005 | Hurricane | HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION |
| Sep 19, 2003 | Hurricane | HURRICANE ISABEL |
| Mar 14, 2003 | Severe Storm | SNOW |
| Apr 10, 2000 | Severe Storm | SEVERE WINTER STORM |
| Jan 11, 1996 | Snowstorm | BLIZZARD OF 96 (SEVERE SNOW STORM) |
| Mar 16, 1993 | Snowstorm | SEVERE SNOWFALL & WINTER STORM |
| Sep 14, 1979 | Severe Storm | SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES & FLOODING |
Showing 20 of 24 declarations
Flood Insurance (NFIP)
Source: FEMA NFIPTotal Claims
3,363
Total Claims Paid
$70,268,982
Avg Claim Payout
$20,895
County-level NFIP data from FEMA National Flood Insurance Program.
Disaster Recovery Spending
Source: FEMA Public AssistanceTotal Federal Spending
$58,908,452
Disasters with PA
6
Total Projects
277
| Disaster | Type | Projects | Federal $ |
|---|---|---|---|
| DR-4491 | Biological | 88 | $38,117,595 |
| DR-4261 | Snow | 47 | $10,288,091 |
| DR-4376 | Severe Storm(s) | 35 | $5,386,932 |
| DR-4170 | Severe Storm(s) | 24 | $2,610,030 |
| DR-4034 | Hurricane | 51 | $1,675,256 |
| DR-4091 | Hurricane | 32 | $830,547 |
Essex has a relatively moderate overall natural hazard risk rating according to FEMA's National Risk Index. The top hazard risks are winter weather, heat wave, lightning. The area has had 24 federal disaster declarations. The most common disaster type is snowstorm (6 declarations). 3,363 flood insurance claims have been filed in the area. FEMA has obligated $58,908,452 in public assistance recovery funding.