La Plata, MD
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
La Plata is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk — lower risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Charles County, MD. The county's highest-rated hazards are heat wave, hurricane, and strong wind.
Storm events near La Plata
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of La Plata's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to La Plata itself, not the whole county.
County-wide hazard risk
Every other hazard FEMA and NOAA track — including drought — is only scored at the county level. These are Charles County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering La Plata along with the rest of the county, not a La Plata-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 19.2 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 50.6 | Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flooding | 52.4 | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | 68.3 | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | 78.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tornado | 29.2 | Relatively Low |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 17.6 | Very Low |
| Drought | 72.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | 43.3 | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | 78 | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | 39.4 | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | 61.3 | Very Low |
| Lightning | 74 | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | 77.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tsunami | — | Insufficient Data |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 71 | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Charles County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
More on Charles County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is La Plata, MD at risk of?
La Plata is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — lower risk than most US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Charles County, where La Plata is located, are heat wave, hurricane, and strong wind.
What is La Plata's biggest natural hazard risk?
Heat Wave is the highest-rated hazard for Charles County, where La Plata is located, scoring 78.8 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively Moderate").
Is La Plata a high-risk area for natural disasters?
No — La Plata carries lower risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Low" for Charles County.
Has La Plata had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 11 tornado, 94 hail, 394 inland flooding events within 25 miles of La Plata since 2016.