List of Maryland hurricanes


Since 1950, 148 known hurricanes, tropical storms and tropical depressions have affected the U.S. state of Maryland. Many of these storms also affect the country's capital, Washington, D.C., since the city is located on territory ceded by Maryland. Hurricanes are the most intense classification of these storms, while tropical storms and tropical depressions are generally weaker. The Delmarva Peninsula is often affected by cyclones that brush the East Coast. Central and Western Maryland, as well as Washington, D.C., commonly receive rainfall from the remnants of storms that make landfall elsewhere and track northward. On rare occasions, the area experiences the effects of Pacific storms; one such example of this is Hurricane Tico, which made landfall on Mexico and moved inland.
Hurricane Agnes of the 1972 season was the deadliest storm, killing 19 people as a result of heavy flooding. The most damaging storm was Hurricane Irene, which resulted in $151 million in damage. Hurricane Hazel caused sustained hurricane-force winds in the state, the only storm during the time period to do so. No storms made landfall in Maryland at hurricane intensity. Since 1950, thirteen tropical cyclones have collectively killed 64 people.

Storms

1950–1959

  • September 9, 1950 - Outer moisture from Hurricane Dog drops heavy rainfall in the Mid-Atlantic. In Bel Air, a car drove into the swollen Gunpowder River; three people in the car drowned and a fourth was injured.
  • September 1, 1952 - Tropical Storm Able crosses the state, although damage, if any, is unknown.
  • October 15, 1954 - Hurricane Hazel crosses the state, producing hurricane-force winds. In addition to wind damage, flooding was severe along the Chesapeake Bay, while flash flooding was reported inland. Overall, six deaths and about $11 million in damage were reported.
  • August 12, 1955 - Tropical Storm Connie causes widespread damage, including where the storm's center passes directly over St. Mary's, Calvert, and Anne Arundel Counties. It drops heavy rainfall, peaking at in Preston. The rainfall leads to flooding which causes $2.5 million in damage. When the schooner Levin J. Marvel capsized in high seas, 14 people drown.
  • August 18, 1955 - As Tropical Storm Diane begins its turn to the east-northeast over Virginia, associated heavy rains, combined with saturated grounds from Connie just days before, cause flooding in central parts of the state, especially along the Potomac River.
  • September 19, 1955 - Hurricane Ione makes landfall in North Carolina; its outer moisture produces light rainfall across the state.
  • September 28, 1956 - Hurricane Flossy passes southeast of the state, producing up to of rain. In nearby Washington, D.C., a peak wind gust of is reported.
  • September 28, 1958 - Hurricane Helene remains well off of the Carolina coast, though light rain falls across the Mid-Atlantic states.
  • September 30, 1959 - The remnants of Hurricane Gracie drop moderate rainfall over western Maryland.

1960–1969

1970–1979

1980–1989

  • June 7, 1981 – A tropical depression moves off the Mid-Atlantic coast, brushing the southern tip of Maryland with light rainfall.
  • July 1, 1981 – Tropical Storm Bret makes landfall on Maryland, although there is no reported damage.
  • August 19, 1981 – Tropical Storm Dennis brushes the extreme southern section of the Delmarva Peninsula, with light rainfall.
  • September 30, 1983 – Tropical Storm Dean makes landfall on Virginia and produces up to of rainfall in the state.
  • October 25, 1983 – The remnants of Hurricane Tico, a Pacific storm, drop light rainfall across Maryland and surrounding locations.
  • July 25, 1985 – The remnants of Hurricane Bob cause moderate rainfall in southern Maryland, and light wind gusts. Rough seas from the system capsize a few boats along the Potomac River, and the rainfall collapses a house under construction in Great Falls, Maryland.
  • August 18, 1985 – Remnant moisture from Hurricane Danny drops up to of rain on the Delmarva Peninsula, although damage, if any is unknown.
  • September 24, 1985 – Tropical Storm Henri parallels the coastline, dropping light rainfall.
  • September 27, 1985 – Hurricane Gloria passes east of Maryland and drops over of rain. Wind gusts to blast the coastline, causing beach erosion.
  • August 18, 1986 – Hurricane Charley tracks just miles offshore, spawning wind gusts up to. The storm also drops up to of rain in Maryland.
  • September 1987 – Tropical Depression Nine produces up to of rainfall throughout the area.
  • August 28, 1988 – The state receives light rainfall caused by Tropical Storm Chris.
  • Mid-October 1989 – The remnants of Hurricane Jerry track eastward off the Mid-Atlantic coast, dropping light amounts of rainfall in northern locales.

1990–1994

  • Mid-October 1990 – The remnants of Tropical Storm Marco produce moderate rainfall in western locations.
  • August 19, 1991 – Hurricane Bob passes offshore, producing waves of up to high.
  • Late August 1992 – Remnant moisture from Hurricane Andrew produces up to of rain in western areas of the state.
  • September 25, 1992 – Tropical Storm Danielle makes landfall on the Delmarva Peninsula, producing winds of in Ocean City. Storm tide ranges from an estimated storm tide of 2–3 feet. The storm produces moderate rainfall of over 3 inches across the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
  • September 1, 1993 – Uncertainty in the track of Hurricane Emily track prompts voluntary evacuations of Ocean City, although the storm quickly turns away from the state.
  • July 21, 1994 – Tropical Depression Two passes just west of the western border with light precipitation.
  • August 18, 1994 – Tropical Storm Beryl's remnants track over western Maryland, producing light rainfall.
  • November 20, 1994 – Hurricane Gordon dissipates over South Carolina, dropping light to moderate rainfall over the southern Delmarva Peninsula.

1995–1999

  • June 6, 1995 – The remnants of Hurricane Allison produce light showers in some locations, amounting to less than an inch.
  • August 6, 1995 – Remnant moisture from Hurricane Erin produces of rainfall in Chestertown.
  • October 3, 1995 – The remnants of Hurricane Opal track well west of Maryland, producing light rainfall across the entire state. Moderate winds downed trees and tree limbs onto Maryland Route 495. The system spawns numerous tornadoes, the most notable of which contains winds of ; this particular tornado results in three injuries and damages over 100 homes.
  • July 13, 1996 – Tropical Storm Bertha passes over the state producing wind gusts peaking at at Ocean City. Several trees and power lines are downed resulting in scattered power outages and property damage. In Dorchester, one tornado is confirmed. Also, rainfall of up to causes some street flooding.
  • September 6, 1996 – Tropical Storm Fran tracks west of the state, spawning wind gusts of up to which, combined with saturated soil, downs numerous trees. Along the Chesapeake Bay, a storm surge of up to inundates coastal communities. This causes tidal flooding which results in one injury and forces several people to evacuate. The heavy rainfall severely floods the Potomac River, damaging over 500 homes and destroying nearly of corn and soy crops. As a result of Fran, one death is reported, and $50 million in damage is blamed on the storm.
  • October 8, 1996 – Moisture from Tropical Storm Josephine moves northward along the East Coast. Up to of rainfall is reported, resulting in the flooding of numerous roads. The Coast Guard station in Ocean City records a wind gust of which results in several downed trees and power lines. The winds break loose a barge from its moorings.
  • July 24, 1997 – Tropical Storm Danny passes south of the state, dropping up to in southernmost locations. Because of a previous drought, there are no reports of flooding except for minor drainage ditch overflows.
  • August 5, 1998 – The remnants of Hurricane Earl track south of the state, producing light rainfall on the Delmarva Peninsula.
  • August 28, 1998 – Assateague Island reports of rainfall from Hurricane Bonnie which tracks offshore in the Atlantic.
  • September 4, 1999 – The remnants of Hurricane Dennis drop heavy rainfall which surpasses and flooding. On the coast of Maryland, tides were up to above average. In Havre de Grace, four people were seriously injured when a car crossed the median and slammed into an oncoming vehicle, which is blamed on heavy rainfall. Two or more lightning strikes leave over 6,700 people without power.
  • September 15, 1999 – Hurricane Floyd parallels the shore of the Delmarva Peninsula as a tropical storm. Chestertown, reports a maximum rainfall total of 14 inches, with other locales reporting similar values. Extreme river flooding causes moderate damage to bridges and roads, resulting in a damage toll of $7.9 million throughout the state. In addition, over 250,000 residents are without electricity because of high winds blowing down power lines. More than 28 people are forced to be rescued by boat as a result of severe flooding. Nine other people were from an apartment building near Great Mills. Two people are injured and one person is killed by carbon monoxide after losing power and running a generator inside their home. Also, a 12‑year-old boy is caught in flood waters and is swept a half mile down a drainage ditch before being rescued and treated for hypothermia.
  • October 17, 1999 – Showers from Hurricane Irene are reported, totaling to in some places.

2000–2004

2005–2009

  • July 8, 2005 – The extratropical remnants of Hurricane Cindy drop upwards of in the state, and spawn one tornado. which causes sporadic tree damage. The rainfall causes flooding in some locations, leaving numerous roads underwater, and flooding several basements.
  • July 9, 2005 – The remnants of Hurricane Dennis produce widespread light rainfall across much of the state.
  • August 31, 2005 – The remnants of Hurricane Katrina produce light rainfall across western portions of the state. Rainfall peaked at 2.30 in in Thurmont.
  • October 8, 2005 – A combination of the remnants of Tropical Storm Tammy and Subtropical Depression Twenty-Two contribute to the Northeast U.S. flooding of October 2005, which produces up to of rainfall. Dozens of roads are flooded and closed, and about 30 people are forced from their homes. Flood waters reach up to as reported by a local newspaper. Damage is estimated at $200,000.
  • October 24, 2005 – A nor'easter fed by Hurricane Wilma brought heavy rain, wind, and snow to the state. Dozens of schools were closed and 12 inches of snow fell in western Maryland.
  • June 14, 2006—The remnants of Tropical Storm Alberto drop light rainfall in southern locations.
  • September 1–2, 2006 – High winds and heavy rainfall from Hurricane Ernesto leaves 44,000 homes without electric power, mostly in low-lying areas of southern locations and on the eastern shore. Several basements in Anne Arundel County are forced to be pumped out due to flooding. It is estimated that wind gusts peaked at.
  • June 3, 2007Tropical Storm Barry produces light rainfall over eastern portions of the state, peaking at near Columbia.
  • September 15, 2007 – The remnants of Hurricane Humberto dropped light rainfall in extreme southern locations.
  • August 28, 2008 – The remnants of Tropical Storm Fay brought light rainfall to extreme western portions of the state. 2.98 in of rainfall was reported in Pinto.
  • September 6, 2008 – Tropical Storm Hanna moved over the area from the south, dropping over 4 inches of rain in parts of Maryland and producing wind gusts to 50 MPH in Southern Maryland.
  • November 10–14, 2009 – The remnants of Hurricane Ida contribute to the emergence of an extratropical cyclone that brought heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the state. 7.40 in of rain fell in Assateague Island. This storm would later be known as the November 2009 Mid-Atlantic nor'easter.

2010–2014

  • September 3, 2010 – Hurricane Earl skimmed the coast of North Carolina and moved northeastward, resulting in heavy rain and tropical storm force winds in Southeastern Maryland, near Ocean City. Areas inland were not affected by Earl.
  • September 30, 2010 – The remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole produced massive amounts of rainfall across the state. Baltimore–Washington International Airport reported 6.02 in of total rainfall in 24 hours. Two transit buses collided during the storm, injuring 26 people.
  • August 27, 2011 – Hurricane Irene did not make direct landfall, but due to the large size, hurricane conditions were felt to the east of the Chesapeake Bay and tropical storm conditions were felt as far inland as Frederick, Maryland. Along the Delmarva Peninsula, sustained winds of 60 mph with gusts up to 85 mph and over a foot of rain fell over the area. There was also a five-foot storm surge that inundated regions around Ocean City, Maryland. The beach was evacuated prior to the storm; due to the minimal damage, it reopened the next day on Sunday and residents and tourists were allowed to return. In Central Maryland, sustained winds of 30-40 mph and 3-5 inches of rain fell. Gusts of up to 65 mph toppled many power lines. Most of the damage was from falling trees, which blocked roads, crushed power lines, and toppled onto houses. Power was out for over 200,000 people in Maryland; however, by Sunday, most power was restored.
  • September 7–10, 2011 – The remnants of Tropical Storm Lee move across Maryland, causing widespread flooding, particularly in the central portion of the state. In combination with Hurricane Irene, The National Weather Service reported rainfall totals in Prince George's County at 24.13 in in Largo, 23.98 in in Forestville, and 21.49 in in Forest Heights.
  • May 30, 2012 – Moisture from Tropical Storm Beryl affects the state.
  • September 1–3, 2012 – The remnants of Hurricane Isaac brought light rainfall to the state.
  • October 29, 2012 – Hurricane Sandy makes landfall north of the state. However, due to the tremendous size of the storm, its effects were felt all over Maryland. During the peak of the storm, 60 mph sustained winds were felt from Frederick, Maryland eastward. However, power outages were not widespread and any problems were solved quickly due to better preparation. Heavy rain affected the state, with up to a foot of rain falling in some spots. Storm surge was also a large factor along the beaches, washing out many piers and some boardwalks along Ocean City. Hurricane Sandy is the deadliest tropical cyclone to affect the state, causing 11 deaths.
  • June 7, 2013 – Rain bands from Tropical Storm Andrea cause minor flooding in the Baltimore-Washington area and parts of the Eastern Shore, with rainfall totals of just over 2 in in Annapolis and Baltimore-Washington International Airport, both in Anne Arundel County. Andrea was a post-tropical system by the time the center moved over St. Mary's County and the lower Eastern Shore, which was under a tornado watch at the time due to the system's history of producing tornadoes.
  • October 9–12, 2013 – The remnants of Tropical Storm Karen brought heavy rainfall to the state.
  • July 4, 2014 – Hurricane Arthur's outskirts brought heavy rain and wind gusts in excess of 40 mph to areas such as Ocean City and Salisbury. Areas further inland were not impacted by the storm.
  • August 28, 2014 – Hurricane Cristobal passes offshore, killing a swimmer in Ocean City. The Coast Guard also rescued three people after their 17-foot boat overturned.
  • September 17, 2014 – Hurricane Edouard passes well offshore, but strong rip currents result in two deaths off the coast of Ocean City.

2015–2019

  • May 11, 2015 – Tropical Storm Ana skimmed the Eastern Shore and brought gentle light rainfall to the area.
  • June 20, 2015 – The remnants of Tropical Storm Bill brought heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds to the state. A tornado touched down in Tuscarora, but caused no damage.
  • October 28, 2015 – The remnants of Hurricane Patricia brought rainfall to western portions of the state.
  • May 29–30, 2016 – Tropical moisture from Tropical Storm Bonnie brought widespread rainfall across the state.
  • September 3, 2016 – Tropical Storm Hermine affected the majority of the Eastern Shore with heavy rainfall and high winds, prompting tropical storm warnings to be put up. Governor Larry Hogan also declared a state of emergency for several counties along the Eastern Shore. Winds gusted well over 40 mph in Ocean City, Maryland.
  • September 19–22, 2016 – A combination of the remnants of Tropical Storm Julia and a cold front brought rainfall to the state.
  • October 8–9, 2016 – While Hurricane Matthew did not make landfall in the state, the storm still brought rain and gusty winds to the state due to its large size. A maximum rainfall total of 5.52 in was reported in Berlin. A wind gust of 49 mph was reported in Ocean City as well.
  • June 23–24, 2017 – The remnants of Tropical Storm Cindy brought rainfall to the entire state.
  • September 2, 2017 – The remnants of Hurricane Harvey brought heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds to the state.
  • September 12–14, 2017 – The remnants of Hurricane Irma affect portions of the state.
  • September 19, 2017 – Hurricane Jose passes offshore, which brought showers, gusty winds and high rip currents to the Eastern Shore. The storm brought heavy winds and rain to Ocean City, Maryland on September 19, with large waves and strong currents flooding a parking lot at the Ocean City Inlet.
  • October 8, 2017 – The remnants of Hurricane Nate affect the state.
  • October 29, 2017 – Tropical Storm Philippe is absorbed by a non-tropical area of low pressure, which brought heavy rainfall and high winds to the state. Snow also fell in extreme western portions.
  • September 8, 2018 – The remnants of Tropical Storm Gordon are absorbed by a large front. The new system brings rainfall on the state for several days.
  • September 14, 2018 – Hurricane Florence tracks south of the state, with its outer bands bringing rain and gusty winds to the state. Large swells ahead of the hurricane reached Assateague State Park, Maryland, by September 9, prompting the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to close beach access indefinitely.
  • October 11–12, 2018 – Tropical Storm Michael tracks inland, bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the state.
  • October 26–27, 2018 – The remnants of Hurricane Willa brought rainfall and gusty winds to much of the state.
  • July 17, 2019 – The remnants of Hurricane Barry affect the state.
  • September 6, 2019 – Hurricane Dorian tracks southeast of the state, bringing heavy rainfall and high winds to the Eastern Shore in particular. Tropical Storm Warnings were put in place.
  • October 11, 2019 – Tropical Storm Melissa brings widespread flooding to the state. Flooding from increased high tides from the storm forced street closures in Crisfield and Salisbury.
  • October 20, 2019 – The remnants of Tropical Storm Nestor brings heavy rain and high winds to the state.

2020–2024

  • May 18, 2020 – Tropical Storm Arthur brings rainfall to the Eastern Shore as it passes off the coast.
  • July 10, 2020 – Tropical Storm Fay impacts the state with heavy rainfall and wind.
  • August 4, 2020 – Hurricane Isaias tracks through the state as a tropical storm, spawning several tornadoes, high winds, heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. One person died while driving when a tree fell on their vehicle in St. Mary's County.
  • August 29, 2020 – The remnants of Hurricane Laura move across the state.
  • September 17, 2020 – The remnants of Hurricane Sally brings rainfall to the state.
  • October 11, 2020 – The remnants of Hurricane Delta affect the state with rainfall.
  • October 29, 2020 – Hurricane Zeta tracks inland as a tropical storm, bringing heavy rainfall and windy conditions to the state.
  • November 12, 2020 – The remnants of Hurricane Eta affect the state with massive flooding.
  • June 21, 2021 – The remnants of Tropical Storm Claudette brings showers to extreme southern portions of the state.
  • July 8–9, 2021 – Tropical Storm Elsa tracks inland, bringing heavy rain and winds to the state.
  • August 17–18, 2021 – The remnants of Tropical Storm Fred affect the state.
  • August 21, 2021 – The far outskirts of Hurricane Henri affect the Eastern Shore with rain and thunderstorms as it passes well offshore.
  • September 1, 2021 – The remnants of Hurricane Ida bring heavy thunderstorms to the state. A tornado touched down in Hurlock. One man died in Rockville due to flooding.
  • September 30, 2022 - The remnants of Hurricane Ian brought a storm surge, riptide and 40+ mph winds to Ocean City. The three day scheduled at the inlet was canceled as a result.
  • September 22–24, 2023 – Tropical Storm Ophelia affects the entire state with heavy rain and high winds.
  • August 8-9, 2024 – The remnants of Hurricane Debby affect the state.
  • September 27, 2024 – The remnants of Hurricane Helene affect the state.

2025–present

  • July 8, 2025 – The remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal affect the state. Strong wind gusts from thunderstorms from Chantal's remnants had peak gusts reaching in Kingstown. More than 18,000 customers were affected by power outages across the state. A game between the Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets at Camden Yards was delayed because of the storms.
  • August 21, 2025 – Hurricane Erin passes offshore, bringing rainfall and high winds to the state. Dangerous rip currents and flooding were present in Ocean City.

Deadly storms

The following table includes all storms since 1950 that have caused reported fatalities in Maryland and Washington, D.C.
NameYearNumber
of deaths
Hurricane Agnes197219
Hurricane Connie195514
Hurricane Sandy201211
Hurricane Hazel19546
Hurricane Donna19602
Hurricane Ivan20042
Hurricane Edouard20142
Hurricane Fran19961
Hurricane Floyd19991
Hurricane Isabel20031
Hurricane Irene20111
Hurricane Cristobal20141
Hurricane Isaias20201
Hurricane Ida20211