Chesapeake city Disaster Risk
Chesapeake city, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
81th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#7
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
83th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Chesapeake city, Virginia
Chesapeake faces above-average disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 80.85, Chesapeake ranks as relatively low-risk but sits well above the national average. Hurricane exposure drives much of this vulnerability, with a 92.03 risk score that reflects the city's coastal location on the Hampton Roads.
Second-highest risk among Virginia counties
Chesapeake's score of 80.85 substantially exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, ranking it among the state's most at-risk communities. This elevated standing reflects both its size and geographic exposure to multiple hazard types.
Riskier than inland Virginia peers
Chesapeake's composite score of 80.85 far exceeds nearby Chesterfield County (84.83) and other neighboring regions, though coastal positioning makes direct comparison challenging. Its hurricane risk of 92.03 stands uniquely high compared to inland counties across the state.
Hurricanes and flooding dominate here
Hurricane risk reaches 92.03 in Chesapeake, the single largest threat facing the city, while flood risk of 82.86 compounds coastal vulnerability. These two hazards account for the bulk of the city's composite risk profile and warrant serious preparedness focus.
Hurricane and flood insurance are essential
Coastal residents in Chesapeake should prioritize flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Consider additional hurricane coverage and regular roof inspections given the city's 92.03 hurricane risk score.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Chesapeake city
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Chesapeake city
Risk Verdict
Chesapeake city ranks at the 81th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Chesapeake city's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 83th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (72th percentile), earthquake (71th percentile), wildfire (66th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Chesapeake city ranks at the 92th percentile nationally for hurricane risk. For coastal counties, wind-resistant shutters or impact-rated windows represent the highest single structural investment for reducing property damage. Chesapeake city's secondary flood risk at the 83th percentile nationally reinforces the value of a multi-hazard household plan rather than one focused exclusively on hurricane preparation. For extended post-storm outages common in Chesapeake city's hurricane zone, a portable generator (operated outdoors only) and a supply of non-perishable food for at least seven days provides meaningful household resilience.
Regional Context
Compared to other Virginia counties, Chesapeake city runs 47.6 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Chesapeake city's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Chesapeake city, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Chesapeake city?
How does Chesapeake city risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Chesapeake city at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Chesapeake city 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.