Bethesda, MD (ZIP 20814) has experienced 96 recorded natural disaster events based on federal and state agency records. These include 62 hailstorms, 16 floods, and 7 blizzards. Total documented property damage amounts to $35.9M. These events have resulted in 5 recorded deaths and 25 injuries.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 65% of all recorded events (62 total). The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Sep 7, 2023.
There have been 16 recorded floods in this area, representing 17% of all disaster events. Of these, 10 (63%) 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 $2.3M in documented property damage. 3 fatalities have been attributed to floods in this area. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Sep 1, 2021.
Bethesda has experienced 7 blizzards on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for winter storm events here is 5/5 (extreme). Winter storm events have caused a combined $460K in documented property damage. 1 fatality has been attributed to blizzards in this area. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 5, 2010.
Bethesda has experienced 7 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $30.3M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Jul 29, 2023.
Bethesda has experienced 2 extreme heat events on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for heat-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). 1 fatality has been attributed to extreme heat events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme heat event occurred on Jun 8, 2008.
Bethesda has experienced 2 tornadoes on record. Tornado-related events have caused a combined $2.8M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jun 21, 2000.
The most significant disaster event on record for Bethesda was 84 mph Thunderstorm Wind on Jul 29, 2023, which caused $20M in property damage. Another major event was 85 mph Thunderstorm Wind (Jul 29, 2023), causing $10M in damages. EF1 Tornado on Oct 18, 1990 also caused significant damage ($2.5M).
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 20814 has experienced 96 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (62 events), floods (16 events), blizzards (7 events), severe wind events (7 events), extreme heat events (2 events), and tornadoes (2 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 65% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Bethesda, MD, with 62 events documented.
Yes, Bethesda (ZIP 20814) has 16 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $2.3M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Sep 1, 2021.
Bethesda has 2 recorded tornado events in the historical record. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $2.8M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jun 21, 2000.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 20814 was 84 mph Thunderstorm Wind, which occurred on Jul 29, 2023. This event caused $20M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 2/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $35.9M in property damage in the Bethesda, MD area (ZIP 20814). 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 →