FEMA rates relative lightning risk for Howard County as relatively high and reports FEMA annualized frequency of 46.608 per year for the area.
FEMA summary
FEMA's profile for Howard County reports FEMA annualized frequency of 46.608 per year for lightning. FEMA's relative risk rating for the area is relatively high; the annualized frequency is a separate measure.
Hazard metrics cover FEMA county-equivalent geographies rather than individual addresses or parcels. Use local or state hazard maps before making a property, insurance, retrofit, or evacuation decision.
Select a hazard to inspect FEMA's figures for Howard County.
Lightning
FEMA combines its area-wide loss estimate and community data in this relative rating. Event frequency appears separately below.
Relative FEMA score
93.4/100
Occurrence thresholds vary by hazard. The FEMA methodology defines the value for each hazard.
The area loss estimate combines FEMA's modeled losses to buildings, population, and agriculture across Howard County. It is not an estimate for a home or address.
City risk summary
For Columbia, FEMA rates lightning risk for Howard County as relatively high, with a relative score of 93.4/100. The next highest relative scores are heat wave at 93.4/100 and strong wind at 91.2/100.
Using FEMA data for Howard County, Columbia is #2 among 5 covered Maryland entries for lightning risk. Baltimore is about 15 straight-line miles from the Columbia map point; its FEMA figures cover the City of Baltimore.
For homeowners and movers
Preparedness actions
Living in Columbia? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
The map shows Columbia. All FEMA figures on this page cover Howard County.
The FEMA figures cover Howard County. Address-level conditions require local maps, building records, and property details.
FEMA rates relative lightning risk for Howard County as relatively high. Its FEMA annualized frequency is 46.608 per year. Damage at a specific address also depends on the building, soil, elevation, and exact hazard zone.
Among 5 Maryland cities covered by this directory, Columbia is #2 for relative lightning risk based on FEMA's score for Howard County. Homes within Columbia can have different soil, elevation, construction, and hazard-zone conditions.
In FEMA's data for Howard County, the highest relative ratings are Lightning (Relatively High), Heat Wave (Relatively Moderate), and Strong Wind (Relatively High). FEMA uses estimated losses and community data along with event frequency when assigning these ratings.
The hazard numbers cover Howard County. For an individual home, check local fault, flood, fire, evacuation, and building records for the exact address.
FEMA gives Howard County an overall relative risk rating of relatively low. Conditions at a specific home depend on its hazard zones, building type, maintenance, insurance, and access to evacuation routes and emergency services.
Start with this step: Confirm the exact hazard using official local maps before making property or insurance decisions. Know how local officials issue warnings and evacuation instructions. Use Ready.gov Be Informed and local emergency guidance for a complete plan.
Distances are measured between city coordinates.
| City | Distance | Lightning rating | Relative score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore, MD | 15 mi | Relatively High | 92.8 |
| Washington, DC | 22 mi | Relatively High | 91.1 |
| Arlington, VA | 26 mi | Relatively Moderate | 69.8 |
| Alexandria, VA | 29 mi | Relatively Low | 59.8 |
| Frederick, MD | 34 mi | Relatively High | 93.4 |
Limited to products tagged for lightning or general preparedness.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site may earn from qualifying purchases.
Tools
18 tools in one. Essential for turning off gas valves or making repairs.
View product
Power
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.
View product
Pets
Comprehensive kit for pets. Includes muzzle, thermometer, and bandages.
View productHazard metrics come from FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 (March 2023). City population and coordinates come from SimpleMaps US Cities Database. For current conditions, use official local maps, warnings, inspections, and professional advice.