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7
Very High

flood Flood Risk in Washington, DC

Risk Level: Very High — Score 7/10

FEMA: 7Historical: 10

Key Risk Factors

  • FEMA rates Washington's county as Relatively High risk
  • Estimated annual loss of $130M from this hazard type
  • 527 significant events recorded in proximity since 1950
  • 78 events in the last 12 months indicate ongoing risk
  • Average annual frequency: 4.2 events per year

Peak season: March-September

Last significant event: Flood - Washington, DC--VA--MD Region, United States (2024-05-11) — 594,000 people exposed

Highest Risk Cities for Floods

1
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
2
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
3
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
4
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
5
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
6
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
7
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
8
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
9
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
10
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
Washington is not in the top 10 for flood risk among tracked cities.

How Washington Compares

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Notable Flood Events Near Washington

Flood - Washington, DC--VA--MD Region, United States

August 19, 2019 WARNING

Impact data not available

Flood - Washington, DC--VA--MD Region, United States

May 10, 2024 WARNING

594,000 people exposed; $718,055M capital exposed

Flood - Washington, DC--VA--MD Region, United States

December 23, 2018 WARNING

Impact data not available

Flood - Washington, DC--VA--MD Region, United States

May 6, 2019 WARNING

Impact data not available

Flood - Washington, DC--VA--MD Region, United States

December 21, 2018 WARNING

Impact data not available

Flood Preparedness Tips

  • 1.Know if your property is in a flood zone — check FEMA maps
  • 2.Consider flood insurance even if not in a high-risk zone
  • 3.Never drive through flooded roadways — Turn Around, Don’t Drown
  • 4.Move valuables and important documents to upper floors
  • 5.Install sump pumps and check valves in plumbing

Related Pages

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