7
Very High
Tornado 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 $7M from this hazard type
- 135 significant events recorded in proximity since 1950
- 12 events in the last 12 months indicate ongoing risk
- Largest recent event exposed 183,000 people
Peak season: April-June
Last significant event: Tornado - Sterling, VA WFO Region, US (2025-07-09) — 183,000 people exposed
Highest Risk Cities for Tornados
Washington is not in the top 10 for tornado risk among tracked cities.
How Washington Compares
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Notable Tornado Events Near Washington
Tornado - Sterling, VA WFO Region, US
July 8, 2025 — WARNING
183,000 people exposed; $142,409M capital exposed
Tornado - Sterling, VA WFO Region, US
July 1, 2021 — WARNING
Impact data not available
Tornado - Sterling, VA WFO Region, US
May 26, 2022 — WATCH
Impact data not available
Tornado - Sterling, VA WFO Region, US
July 23, 2018 — WARNING
Impact data not available
Tornado - Sterling, VA WFO Region, US
April 18, 2019 — WATCH
Impact data not available
Tornado Preparedness Tips
- 1.Identify a safe room or storm shelter in your home or building
- 2.Practice tornado drills — get low, cover your head, stay away from windows
- 3.Have a NOAA Weather Radio for tornado watch and warning alerts
- 4.Secure outdoor objects that could become projectiles in high winds
- 5.Know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning
Related Pages
Earthquake Risk in Washington
Score: 7/10
Wildfire Risk in Washington
Score: 1/10
Hurricane Risk in Washington
Score: 7/10
Flood Risk in Washington
Score: 7/10
Winter Storm Risk in Washington
Score: 9/10
Landslide Risk in Washington
Score: 3/10
Extreme Heat Risk in Washington
Score: 7/10
Drought Risk in Washington
Score: 0/10
High Wind Risk in Washington
Score: 9/10
Tsunami Risk in Washington
Score: 0/10
Tornado Risk in Baltimore, MD
Score: 7/10
Tornado Risk in Philadelphia, PA
Score: 7/10
Tornado Risk in Virginia Beach, VA
Score: 5/10
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