Accomack County Disaster Risk
Accomack County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
81th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#6
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
97th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 94% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Accomack County, Virginia
Accomack faces above-average disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 81.01, Accomack County ranks as relatively moderate—well above Virginia's state average of 33.27 and significantly higher than the typical U.S. county. This score reflects the county's exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly water-related threats along the Eastern Shore.
Among Virginia's highest-risk counties
Accomack ranks near the top of Virginia's risk distribution, placing it in the riskier percentile statewide. The county's elevated composite score is driven primarily by hurricane and flood exposure, reflecting its coastal geography.
Coastal risk sets Accomack apart
Compared to neighboring inland counties like Alleghany (38.07) and Amelia (11.96), Accomack's score of 81.01 reflects its unique position on the Atlantic barrier islands. The county's hurricane risk (94.45) and flood risk (96.80) are substantially higher than any nearby jurisdictions.
Hurricane and flood dominate your risks
Accomack's hurricane risk score of 94.45 and flood risk of 96.80 represent the county's primary hazards—both reflecting storm surge, coastal flooding, and heavy precipitation events. Tornado risk (18.03) and earthquake risk (51.15) present secondary concerns but remain below the county's water-related threats.
Flood and wind insurance essential here
Given your exposure to hurricanes and flooding, comprehensive homeowners insurance with flood coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program is critical. Consider also reinforcing roof systems and elevating mechanical systems to withstand storm surge and sustained winds.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Accomack County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Accomack County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard risk in Accomack County is higher than the majority of U.S. counties, with a national composite rank of 81th. Accomack County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Accomack County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 94th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (80th percentile), earthquake (51th percentile), tornado (18th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 97th percentile nationally, Accomack County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 94th percentile nationally, means Accomack County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Accomack County households.
Regional Context
A composite score 47.7 points above the Virginia state average puts Accomack County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Accomack County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Accomack County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Accomack County?
How does Accomack County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Accomack County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Accomack County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.