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21783 Smithsburg, MD — Natural Disaster History

📊 Disaster Profile: Smithsburg, MD (21783)

Smithsburg, MD (ZIP 21783) has experienced 61 recorded natural disaster events based on federal and state agency records. These include 38 hailstorms, 7 tornadoes, and 7 severe wind events. Total documented property damage amounts to $17.6M. A total of 5 injuries have been reported across all events.

⛈️ Hailstorms — Leading Threat

The dominant hazard type for Smithsburg is hailstorms, with 38 recorded events making up 62% of the area's disaster history. Hail-related events have caused a combined $30K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Aug 7, 2023.

🌪️ Tornadoes

Smithsburg has experienced 7 tornadoes on record. Tornado-related events have caused a combined $527.5K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on May 25, 2004.

💨 Severe wind events

Smithsburg has experienced 7 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $516.5K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Apr 19, 2025.

❄️ Blizzards

Smithsburg has experienced 4 blizzards on record. Winter storm events have caused a combined $40K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Jan 14, 1999.

🌊 Floods

Smithsburg has experienced 2 floods on record. Of these, 2 (100%) 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 $15.5M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Sep 6, 1996.

🥵 Extreme heat events

Smithsburg has experienced 2 extreme heat events on record. Of these, 2 (100%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for heat-related events here is 4/5 (severe). The most recent recorded extreme heat event occurred on Jul 4, 1999.

Notable Events

The most significant disaster event on record for Smithsburg was Flood on Jan 19, 1996, which caused $15M in property damage. Another major event was Frost/Freeze (Apr 10, 1997), causing $1M in damages. Flood on Sep 6, 1996 also caused significant damage ($520K).

📍 Nearby ZIP Codes

Explore disaster history for adjacent areas

Frequently Asked Questions

What natural disasters have occurred in Smithsburg, MD (21783)?

Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 21783 has experienced 61 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (38 events), tornadoes (7 events), severe wind events (7 events), blizzards (4 events), floods (2 events), extreme heat events (2 events), and extreme cold event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 62% of all recorded events.

What is the most common natural hazard in ZIP code 21783?

Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Smithsburg, MD, with 38 events documented. These events have caused a combined $30K in property damage.

Is ZIP code 21783 (Smithsburg) prone to flooding?

Yes, Smithsburg (ZIP 21783) has 2 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $15.5M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Sep 6, 1996.

Has Smithsburg (21783) ever been hit by a tornado?

Smithsburg has 7 recorded tornado events in the historical record. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $527.5K. The most recent tornado was recorded on May 25, 2004.

What was the worst natural disaster in Smithsburg, MD?

The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 21783 was Flood, which occurred on Jan 19, 1996. This event caused $15M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.

How much property damage have natural disasters caused in ZIP code 21783?

Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $17.6M in property damage in the Smithsburg, MD area (ZIP 21783). 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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