Nottoway County Disaster Risk
Nottoway County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
29th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#65
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
13th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Nottoway County, Virginia
Nottoway's moderate risk trails national norm
Nottoway County scores 28.98 on the composite risk scale—well below the national average and placing it in the very low risk category. The county's risk profile is slightly better than Virginia's state average of 33.27, reflecting a balanced exposure to multiple hazards.
Below-average risk across the state
At 28.98, Nottoway County ranks in the lower half of Virginia's risk distribution, sitting about 13% below the state average of 33.27. This positioning suggests the county benefits from a relatively protected geographic location within the commonwealth.
Safer than Pittsylvania, comparable to Lunenburg
Nottoway's score of 28.98 is substantially lower than nearby Pittsylvania County (63.77), which faces much higher flood and tornado risks. The county's risk level aligns closely with other central Virginia communities, offering moderate rather than heightened exposure.
Hurricane and earthquake risks dominate the profile
Hurricane risk (78.89) and earthquake risk (59.64) represent Nottoway's most significant natural hazard exposures, though both remain manageable threats given the county's inland location. Tornado risk (24.43) ranks third but stays below state averages, while flood and wildfire risks are comparatively low.
Consider wind and seismic coverage options
Nottoway residents should ensure homeowners policies include adequate wind coverage to address hurricane-force storms, though direct impacts remain infrequent. Standard coverage suffices for most properties, but those in flood-prone zones near waterways should verify flood insurance eligibility.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Nottoway County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Nottoway County
Risk Verdict
Nottoway County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 29th percentile nationally. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Nottoway County's favorable 29th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Nottoway County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (24th percentile), flood (13th percentile), wildfire (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane risk is Nottoway County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 79th percentile nationally. The most time-sensitive preparedness step is knowing the county's evacuation zone for your address — zone maps are published by the county emergency management office. Earthquake, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 60th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Nottoway County independent of hurricane season. Nottoway County's county emergency management office publishes official evacuation zone maps with zone-specific shelter locations; downloading this map and identifying your zone assignment is the single highest-value pre-season step.
Regional Context
At just 4.3 composite points from the Virginia average, Nottoway County's natural disaster risk is closely in line with its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Nottoway County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Nottoway County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Nottoway County?
How does Nottoway County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Nottoway County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Nottoway County a safe place to live?
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.