riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Newport News city Disaster Risk

Newport News city, Virginia

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

72th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#14

of 133 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

71th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 71% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 35% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 74% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 76% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Moderate

Higher than 88% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Newport News city, Virginia

Newport News faces substantial national risk

With a composite risk score of 72.23, Newport News rates as Relatively Low but ranks among the nation's higher-risk communities for natural disasters. Your city experiences significantly above-average exposure to multiple hazards.

Well above Virginia's typical threat level

Newport News's 72.23 score far exceeds Virginia's average of 33.27—more than double—placing it among the state's most hazardous localities. You face notably elevated natural disaster exposure compared to most Virginia communities.

Most dangerous among analyzed localities

At 72.23, Newport News ranks second only to Norfolk (81.23) among these eight communities, dwarfing all rural counties profiled. Your position as an urban port city creates compounded exposure to coastal and seismic hazards.

Tornado and hurricane dominate threat profile

Tornado risk peaks at 74.08 and hurricane at 88.32—among the nation's highest for urban areas—while earthquake (76.27) and flood (71.44) threats also run elevated. These combined hazards make Newport News one of Virginia's highest-risk locations.

Comprehensive coverage is essential here

Flood and hurricane insurance aren't optional in Newport News—they're critical investments given your city's 71.44 flood and 88.32 hurricane scores. Maintain a tornado safe room or shelter plan, secure roof installation, and verify wind and flood coverage annually with your insurer.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Newport News city

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    88th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    76th percentile
  3. #3
    TornadoPrepare
    74th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Newport News city

Risk Verdict

At the 72th percentile nationally, Newport News city experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Newport News city's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Newport News city's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 88th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 76th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (74th percentile), flood (71th percentile), wildfire (35th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Newport News city's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 88th percentile nationally. Having a designated out-of-area contact, a pre-packed go-bag with medications and documents, and a confirmed evacuation route reduces decision-making load when a storm intensifies rapidly. Newport News city's secondary earthquake risk at the 76th percentile nationally reinforces the value of a multi-hazard household plan rather than one focused exclusively on hurricane preparation. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Newport News city storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.

Regional Context

Newport News city falls 39.0 points above Virginia's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.

Is your household prepared for Newport News city's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Newport News city, VA?
Newport News city has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 72th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Newport News city?
Newport News city is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (88th percentile), earthquake (76th percentile), tornado (74th percentile), flooding (71th percentile), wildfire (35th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 88th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Newport News city risk compare to the Virginia average?
Newport News city's composite risk percentile is 72th, compared to the Virginia state average of 33th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Newport News city faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Virginia.
Is Newport News city at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Newport News city's hurricane risk is at the 88th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Newport News city is at the 71th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Newport News city higher risk than average?
Newport News city's composite risk score of 72th percentile is above the Virginia state average of 33th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by hurricane exposure (88th percentile), along with earthquake and tornado and flooding risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Roanoke city

Virginia

+0.6

Relatively Low

73th percentile

Alexandria city

Virginia

+1.5

Relatively Low

74th percentile

Rockingham County

Virginia

+2.8

Relatively Low

75th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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