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20646 La Plata, MD — Natural Disaster History

📊 Disaster Profile: La Plata, MD (20646)

La Plata, MD (ZIP 20646) has experienced 88 recorded natural disaster events based on federal and state agency records. These include 59 hailstorms, 14 tornadoes, and 8 severe wind events. Total documented property damage amounts to $129.7M. These events have resulted in 1 recorded death and 124 injuries.

⛈️ Hailstorms — Primary Hazard

Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 67% of all recorded events (59 total). Of these, 2 (3%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for hail-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Hail-related events have caused a combined $855K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Jun 30, 2024.

🌪️ Tornadoes

There have been 14 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 16% of all disaster events. Of these, 2 (14%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for tornado-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Tornado-related events have caused a combined $118.1M in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to tornadoes in this area. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on May 27, 2022.

💨 Severe wind events

La Plata has experienced 8 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $10.4M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Jun 30, 2024.

🌊 Floods

La Plata has experienced 5 floods on record. Of these, 4 (80%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for flood-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Flood-related events have caused a combined $305K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jun 10, 2021.

❄️ Blizzards

La Plata has experienced 1 blizzard on record. Winter storm events have caused a combined $5K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 5, 2010.

🥶 Extreme cold events

La Plata has experienced 1 extreme cold event on record. Cold-related events have caused a combined $2.5K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded extreme cold event occurred on Mar 11, 1998.

Notable Events

The most significant disaster event on record for La Plata was EF4 Tornado on Apr 28, 2002, which caused $114M in property damage and was linked to 1 fatality. Another major event was 81 mph Thunderstorm Wind (Jul 29, 2023), causing $5M in damages. 81 mph Thunderstorm Wind on Jul 29, 2023 also caused significant damage ($5M).

📍 Nearby ZIP Codes

Explore disaster history for adjacent areas

Frequently Asked Questions

What natural disasters have occurred in La Plata, MD (20646)?

Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 20646 has experienced 88 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (59 events), tornadoes (14 events), severe wind events (8 events), floods (5 events), blizzard (1 event), and extreme cold event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 67% of all recorded events.

What is the most common natural hazard in ZIP code 20646?

Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in La Plata, MD, with 59 events documented. These events have caused a combined $855K in property damage.

Is ZIP code 20646 (La Plata) prone to flooding?

Yes, La Plata (ZIP 20646) has 5 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $305K in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jun 10, 2021.

Has La Plata (20646) ever been hit by a tornado?

La Plata has 14 recorded tornado events in the historical record. The strongest tornado recorded reached severity level 5/5 on the normalized scale. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $118.1M. The most recent tornado was recorded on May 27, 2022.

What was the worst natural disaster in La Plata, MD?

The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 20646 was EF4 Tornado, which occurred on Apr 28, 2002. This event caused $114M in documented property damage. It resulted in 1 reported fatality. It was rated at severity level 5/5.

How much property damage have natural disasters caused in ZIP code 20646?

Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $129.7M in property damage in the La Plata, MD area (ZIP 20646). This figure is based on historical records from FEMA, NOAA Storm Events Database, and USGS, and covers events from the 1950s through the present. Actual damages may be higher, as not all events have complete damage assessments.

Data sourced from FEMA (disaster declarations, NFIP flood claims), NOAA Storm Events Database, USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, and NIFC wildfire records. Historical coverage varies by source, with most records beginning in the 1950s–1970s. Full methodology →

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