Maryland Emergency Preparedness Guide 2026

America in Miniature lives up to its nickname when it comes to natural disasters. From the Atlantic beaches of Ocean City to the Appalachian ridges of Western Maryland, the Old Line State faces an extraordinary diversity of hazards. The Chesapeake Bay—America's largest estuary—acts as a storm surge amplifier during hurricanes, while the DC metro corridor faces flooding, tornadoes, and derechos. With sea level rise accelerating faster here than almost anywhere on the East Coast, Maryland's future demands preparation today.

Maryland's Complex Hazard Landscape

Maryland's compact geography contains remarkable diversity—and remarkable vulnerability. The state's 3,190 miles of tidal shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean create extensive flood exposure. The Western Maryland mountains face ice storms and heavy snowfall. The DC-Baltimore corridor experiences the full spectrum of severe weather. And the Eastern Shore's flat terrain offers little protection from hurricanes or tornadoes.

What makes Maryland particularly challenging is the Chesapeake Bay itself. The bay's funnel shape concentrates storm surge as water is pushed northward, amplifying flooding in Baltimore, Annapolis, and waterfront communities. Sea level in the Chesapeake region is rising faster than the global average due to land subsidence, compounding every storm's flood potential.

Primary Disaster Threats

Hurricanes and Tropical Systems

Maryland sits in the path of Atlantic hurricanes and tropical storms tracking up the East Coast or recurving from the Gulf of Mexico. While direct landfalls are relatively rare, the state regularly experiences significant impacts from systems passing nearby. The Chesapeake Bay transforms even glancing blows into major flood events.

Hurricane Isabel (2003) demonstrated Maryland's hurricane vulnerability in devastating fashion. The Category 2 storm made landfall in North Carolina but drove a catastrophic storm surge up the Chesapeake Bay. Water levels reached 19 feet in some locations, flooding Baltimore's Inner Harbor, historic Fells Point, and Annapolis. Over $2 billion in damage occurred statewide, and 1.3 million customers lost power.

The Baltimore Inner Harbor flooded with 5 feet of water, submerging vehicles, flooding businesses, and damaging the National Aquarium. In Annapolis, the Naval Academy and downtown historic district were inundated. The Eastern Shore saw extensive damage from both wind and surge, with some areas isolated for days by flooded roads.

Hurricane Sandy (2012) illustrated another threat pattern. Although centered on New Jersey, Sandy's enormous size brought tropical storm-force winds and coastal flooding to Maryland. Ocean City and the Atlantic coast experienced significant beach erosion and property damage. The combination of Sandy's surge with a full moon high tide created record-breaking water levels along the bay.

Chesapeake Bay Storm Surge

The Chesapeake Bay's unique geometry makes it a storm surge amplifier. The bay is 200 miles long but only 4 miles wide at its narrowest point near Annapolis. When hurricanes or strong Nor'easters push water northward, this funneling effect drives water levels far higher than open coast communities would experience.

Storm surge in the upper bay can reach 6-10 feet during major hurricanes, with localized waves adding additional height. Baltimore, despite being 170 miles from the Atlantic, faces significant surge risk. The Inner Harbor sits at just 4-5 feet above mean high water, making it extremely vulnerable to surge flooding.

Climate change is accelerating Maryland's storm surge vulnerability. Sea levels in the Chesapeake region have risen over a foot in the past century and are projected to rise another 1-4 feet by 2100. This means the same Category 1 hurricane that caused minor flooding 50 years ago could cause major flooding today. Annapolis now experiences over 50 "sunny day" floods annually—high tide flooding without any storm—a number that has tripled since 2000.

Nor'easters and Coastal Storms

Nor'easters affect Maryland multiple times each winter, bringing coastal flooding, heavy snow, and damaging winds. These powerful coastal storms form when cold air from Canada collides with warm Atlantic moisture, typically between October and April. The strongest Nor'easters can rival hurricanes in wind speed and surge.

The difference between Nor'easters and hurricanes is duration. Hurricanes pass through in hours, but Nor'easters can stall offshore for days, pounding the coast with wave after wave of high water. Multiple tide cycles during a multi-day Nor'easter can cause cumulative damage that exceeds a single hurricane surge.

The January 2016 blizzard "Snowzilla" dropped 30+ inches across central Maryland, paralyzing the DC-Baltimore corridor for nearly a week. Winds gusted over 50 mph, creating massive drifts. The storm killed 55 people across the East Coast and caused over $3 billion in damage. Maryland's infrastructure—roads, power grid, schools, government—essentially shut down for days.

Flooding: Maryland's Most Frequent Hazard

Flooding is the most common and destructive natural disaster in Maryland. The state faces flooding from multiple sources: coastal and tidal flooding from the bay and ocean, river flooding from the Potomac, Patuxent, and Susquehanna rivers, and flash flooding from intense rainfall overwhelming urban drainage systems.

The July 2016 Ellicott City flood demonstrated Maryland's flash flood vulnerability in tragic fashion. Over 6 inches of rain fell in just 2 hours, sending a wall of water through the historic downtown. Two people died, and over 100 businesses were damaged or destroyed. Just two years later, in 2018, another catastrophic flash flood struck the same area, killing one person and causing extensive damage to the still-recovering community.

Urban flooding affects the DC-Baltimore corridor regularly. Aging storm drainage systems designed for smaller populations and different development patterns can't handle modern rainfall intensity. A storm that would have caused minor ponding 50 years ago now floods basements and streets throughout the metro area.

Tornadoes and Severe Thunderstorms

Maryland averages 10-15 tornadoes annually, with the highest activity in the spring and summer months. While most Maryland tornadoes are weak (EF0-EF1), stronger tornadoes can and do occur. The state's mix of flat Eastern Shore terrain and rolling piedmont creates varied tornado environments.

The June 2012 derecho was one of the most destructive severe weather events in Maryland history. The fast-moving line of thunderstorms brought winds exceeding 80 mph across the entire state, killing 5 people in Maryland and causing over $1 billion in damage. More than 1 million customers lost power, with some outages lasting over a week during a record heat wave.

The derecho struck on a Friday evening when many people were outdoors, traveling, or had windows open. The sudden onset of extreme winds gave little time for shelter. Trees that had survived decades of storms fell onto homes, cars, and power lines throughout the region.

Winter Storms and Ice

Maryland's position in the Mid-Atlantic transition zone creates unpredictable and often dangerous winter weather. The state can experience heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet, or plain rain—sometimes all in the same storm—depending on small temperature differences that shift the precipitation type.

The "Presidents' Day Snowstorm" of 2003 dropped 28.2 inches on Baltimore—the city's greatest single-storm snowfall. The February 2010 "Snowmageddon" dropped over 30 inches on the DC-Baltimore corridor in back-to-back storms just 4 days apart. Combined with a third storm later that month, the winter of 2010 set snowfall records throughout the region.

Ice storms pose particular danger in Maryland. When warm air overruns cold surface air, rain falls through the warm layer and freezes on contact with cold surfaces. Even a quarter-inch of ice accumulation can down trees and power lines. Western Maryland and the piedmont are most vulnerable, but ice storms can affect the entire state.

Extreme Heat

Maryland summers combine high temperatures with high humidity, creating dangerous heat conditions. The DC-Baltimore corridor experiences several heat waves annually, with heat index values regularly exceeding 105°F. Urban heat islands in Baltimore and Washington can add 10-15 degrees to ambient temperatures.

Heat kills more Marylanders in a typical year than any other weather hazard. The elderly, people with chronic health conditions, those without air conditioning, and outdoor workers face the highest risk. Power outages during heat waves create life-threatening conditions when air conditioning fails.

Regional Preparedness Priorities

Baltimore Metro

Baltimore faces urban flooding, heat waves, and potential bay storm surge:

• Storm surge awareness: Inner Harbor and waterfront areas flood during hurricanes and Nor'easters
• Flash flooding: Jones Falls and Gwynns Falls corridors flood rapidly during heavy rain
• Heat vulnerability: Urban heat islands intensify summer dangers
• Winter storms: Hilly terrain creates treacherous driving conditions
• Power outage readiness: Aging infrastructure means extended outages are common

DC Metro Maryland (Montgomery, Prince George's Counties)

The DC suburbs face flooding, severe storms, and winter weather:

• Flash flooding: Rock Creek, Anacostia River watersheds flood quickly
• Tornado awareness: Several tornadoes strike the DC metro annually
• Traffic evacuation: Regional evacuations create massive gridlock—leave early
• Winter weather: Federal closures may not align with county decisions—plan accordingly
• Heat emergencies: Metro system can fail during extreme heat

Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore faces the full spectrum of coastal hazards:

• Hurricane evacuation: Limited bridge crossings mean early evacuation is essential
• Storm surge: Low elevation makes extensive areas flood-prone
• Tornado risk: Flat terrain allows tornadoes to develop rapidly
• Extended isolation: Bridges may close during storms, isolating the region
• Well water: Many Eastern Shore homes depend on wells that fail without power

Ocean City and Atlantic Coast

Maryland's Atlantic coast faces direct hurricane and Nor'easter impacts:

• Evacuation zones: Know your zone and evacuation route before hurricane season
• Beach erosion: Nor'easters cause significant erosion even without direct hits
• Seasonal population: Summer storms affect tourists who may not know evacuation procedures
• Business continuity: Tourism-dependent businesses need hurricane plans

Western Maryland

Garrett and Allegany counties face mountain weather challenges:

• Heavy snowfall: Mountain areas receive 100+ inches annually
• Ice storms: Appalachian ridges are particularly vulnerable to ice accumulation
• Extended isolation: Mountain roads may be impassable for days
• Flash flooding: Mountain streams concentrate rainfall dangerously
• Limited services: Rural areas have longer emergency response times

Essential Maryland Preparedness Steps

Step 1: Know Your Flood and Surge Risk

Maryland's complex geography creates varied flood risks:

• Check surge zones: Visit ready.maryland.gov to find your hurricane evacuation zone
• Review FEMA maps: Know your property's flood zone designation
• Buy flood insurance: Standard homeowners policies don't cover flooding
• Understand tides: Monitor king tides and astronomical high tide events
• Elevation certificates: Know your home's elevation relative to flood levels

Step 2: Prepare for Extended Power Outages

Maryland's tree canopy and aging infrastructure create frequent extended outages:

• Generator or power station: Essential for food safety and communication
• Carbon monoxide safety: Never run generators indoors; install CO detectors
• Device charging: Car chargers and portable battery packs
• Food preservation: Know food safety guidelines for refrigerated/frozen items
• Medical equipment: Have backup power plans for essential devices

Step 3: Build Emergency Supplies

Maryland's varied threats require comprehensive supplies:

• Water: 1 gallon per person per day for 7+ days
• Food: Non-perishable supplies for 7+ days
• Medications: 30-day supply minimum
• First aid kit: Including supplies for cuts from debris
• Flashlights and batteries: Multiple lights throughout the home
• Weather radio: Battery or hand-crank NOAA radio
• Important documents: Waterproof container or cloud backup
• Cash: Small bills—ATMs fail without power
• Seasonal items: Winter gear for cold weather emergencies

Step 4: Create Evacuation Plans

Maryland's geography creates evacuation challenges:

• Multiple routes: Know alternatives when primary roads are flooded or jammed
• Bridge dependency: Bay bridges and Eastern Shore crossings can close
• Traffic timing: Regional evacuations create massive delays—leave early
• Destination planning: Know where you'll go before storms threaten
• Pet considerations: Many shelters don't accept pets—have alternatives

Step 5: Protect Your Property

Maryland property protection varies by hazard:

• Sump pump backup: Battery backup essential for basements in flood-prone areas
• Tree maintenance: Remove dead limbs that could fall during storms
• Hurricane shutters: Consider for coastal properties
• Gutter maintenance: Prevent ice dam damage in winter
• Document valuables: Photo/video inventory for insurance claims

Month-by-Month Maryland Preparedness

Special Considerations

Federal Workers and Contractors

Maryland's large federal workforce faces unique considerations:

• OPM closure decisions may differ from local government closures
• Telework policies affect whether you need to travel during storms
• Essential personnel may need to report regardless of conditions
• Long commutes create extended exposure to weather hazards

Chesapeake Bay Recreation

Maryland's waterways require weather awareness:

• Monitor marine forecasts before boating
• Understand sudden storm development patterns on the bay
• Know nearest ports of refuge along your route
• VHF marine radio is essential for weather updates and emergencies

Historic Properties

Maryland's many historic buildings face unique vulnerabilities:

• Older electrical systems may not support modern generators
• Historic materials may be more vulnerable to flood damage
• Preservation requirements may limit protective modifications
• Recovery costs may exceed standard insurance coverage

Maryland Emergency Resources

• Maryland Emergency Management Agency: mema.maryland.gov
• Ready Maryland: ready.maryland.gov
• National Weather Service Baltimore: weather.gov/lwx
• Maryland 511: Real-time traffic and road conditions
• NOAA Bay Forecast: Chesapeake Bay marine conditions
• Local Emergency Management: Contact your county emergency management office

Calculate Your Maryland Preparedness Needs

Use our calculators to determine exactly what you need based on your family size, location, and specific risks: