Natural Disasters

The Baltimore region is susceptible to a variety of weather-related emergencies. Hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes and severe winter storms occur here periodically. Even routine weather events can disrupt power and other utilities for prolonged periods.

Emergency planners urge you to make home preparedness a top priority.

In addition, specific weather events may require specific preparedness steps. This resource will help you understand the kind of seasonal weather that is most likely to affect us and how to prepare for it.

Spring 

Though we think of spring as a mild, gentle time of year, spring in the mid-Atlantic can bring severe weather. This severe spring weather usually takes two forms:

• Flooding, including flash floods, caused by heavy rains
• Tornadoes

Summer

• Extreme heat
  Our region is known for its sweltering summers. Intense heat and humidity pose a serious health risk, especially for children, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
• Thunderstorms and lightning
  Severe thunderstorms are common in Maryland throughout the summer season. Learn how to stay safe during a storm.

Late Summer and Fall

• Hurricanes
  Though hurricane season begins in June, hurricanes and tropical storms almost always affect our region from August through October.
• Flooding
  Tropical weather systems often cause severe flooding.

Winter

• Extreme Cold and Winter Weather
  Winters here are notoriously unpredictable. Maryland occasionally is hit by severe cold spells and heavy snows.
• Winter Storm Center
  During the winter months, use this resource to get information about county closures, snow removal and snow emergency plans.