Norfolk city Disaster Risk
Norfolk city, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
81th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#5
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
82th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% 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 78% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Norfolk city, Virginia
Norfolk faces the nation's highest hazard exposure
Norfolk's composite risk score of 81.23 ranks it as Relatively Moderate nationally and places it among America's most disaster-exposed major cities. Your community experiences significantly above-average exposure to multiple concurrent natural hazards.
Virginia's highest-risk profiled locality
At 81.23, Norfolk's score is more than double Virginia's average of 33.27, making it the state's most hazardous community in this analysis. No other Virginia locality profiled here comes close to your risk exposure level.
Hazard severity significantly exceeds all peers
Norfolk (81.23) stands far above Newport News (72.23) and every rural county profiled, reflecting its position as one of America's largest naval ports. Your urban waterfront geography creates compounded exposure to hurricanes, floods, and seismic activity.
Hurricane and flood threats are critical
Hurricane risk reaches 92.95—among the nation's highest—while flood risk scores 82.40, reflecting your position at sea level and tidal influence. Tornado (74.14) and earthquake (78.15) threats also rank dangerously high for a coastal city.
Multi-layered insurance is absolutely essential
Flood and hurricane insurance aren't luxuries in Norfolk—they're mandatory safeguards given your 82.40 flood and 92.95 hurricane scores. Invest in serious elevation, storm-resistant modifications, emergency supplies, and verified coverage from multiple providers; review policies quarterly rather than annually.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Norfolk city
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Norfolk city
Risk Verdict
With a composite score at the 81th percentile, Norfolk city sits above the national median for natural hazard exposure. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Norfolk city residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Norfolk city's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 82th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (78th percentile), tornado (74th percentile), wildfire (33th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 93th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Norfolk city households benefit from reviewing both homeowners and flood insurance coverage before storm season begins — standard policies often exclude storm surge, which is the leading cause of hurricane fatalities. Alongside hurricane exposure, flood at the 82th percentile nationally means Norfolk city households should plan for multiple hazard scenarios within a single storm event. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Norfolk city households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.
Regional Context
At 48.0 points above the Virginia state average, Norfolk city carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Virginia county.
Is your household prepared for Norfolk city's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Norfolk city, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Norfolk city?
How does Norfolk city risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Norfolk city at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Norfolk 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.