Westminster, MD

Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data

Population: 20,662 · Part of Carroll County

Westminster is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk — lower risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Carroll County, MD. The county's highest-rated hazards are strong wind, winter weather, and lightning.

Storm events near Westminster

NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Westminster's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Westminster itself, not the whole county.

Tornado 20 events
Hail 65 events
Inland Flooding 353 events

County-wide hazard risk

Every other hazard FEMA and NOAA track — including drought — is only scored at the county level. These are Carroll County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Westminster along with the rest of the county, not a Westminster-specific figure.

Hazard NRI score Rating
Wildfire 14 Very Low
Inland Flooding 66.7 Relatively Low
Coastal Flooding Not Applicable
Earthquake 67.6 Relatively Low
Heat Wave 75.2 Relatively Low
Tornado 36.4 Relatively Low
Avalanche 8.8 Very Low
Cold Wave 43.9 Relatively Low
Drought 74.6 Relatively Moderate
Hail 57.7 Relatively Low
Hurricane 77 Relatively Low
Ice Storm 31 Relatively Low
Landslide 60.9 Very Low
Lightning 77.9 Relatively Moderate
Strong Wind 94.3 Relatively High
Tsunami Not Applicable
Volcanic Activity Not Applicable
Winter Weather 85.9 Relatively High

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Carroll County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.

More on Carroll County:

Frequently asked questions

What natural hazards is Westminster, MD at risk of?

Westminster 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 Carroll County, where Westminster is located, are strong wind, winter weather, and lightning.

What is Westminster's biggest natural hazard risk?

Strong Wind is the highest-rated hazard for Carroll County, where Westminster is located, scoring 94.3 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").

Is Westminster a high-risk area for natural disasters?

No — Westminster carries lower risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Low" for Carroll County.

Has Westminster had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?

NOAA has recorded 20 tornado, 65 hail, 353 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Westminster since 2016.