What's actually likely where you live.

DC hazard profile

Primary hazards. Ranked.

The Anacostia and Potomac rivers flood regularly. The Anacostia is particularly chronic — Wards 7 and 8 communities flood after every major rain event. The Potomac can produce dangerous flooding in Georgetown and the Rock Creek corridor. Combined sewer overflows flood basements and streets across large portions of the District during intense rain. Sandy (2012) caused significant flooding across the District. DC was literally built on reclaimed swampland, and the summer heat and humidity reflect that geography. The urban heat island effect adds 5-10°F to temperatures compared to surrounding areas. Heat index values above 110°F occur regularly in July and August. The 2019 heat wave hit 109°F heat index in DC. Low-income residents in older apartments without AC face serious mortality risk every summer. DC's mid-Atlantic position puts it in the rain-snow transition zone for most winter storms — ice is often the bigger threat than snow. Snowmageddon (February 2010) dropped 32 inches and shut down the federal government for a week. The January 2016 blizzard dropped 17 inches. DC's dense infrastructure and lack of snow-handling capacity means even moderate storms cause significant disruption.

Insurance gaps

What your homeowner's policy doesn't cover.