Portsmouth city Disaster Risk
Portsmouth city, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
54th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#29
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
64th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Portsmouth city, Virginia
Portsmouth faces above-average disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 54.0, Portsmouth ranks as relatively low overall—but well above the national median. The city's risk profile is driven by significant hurricane (86.6) and earthquake (64.9) exposure, making it more vulnerable than average American communities.
Among Virginia's riskiest cities
Portsmouth's composite score of 54.0 places it above Virginia's state average of 33.3, making it one of the state's higher-risk jurisdictions. This elevated profile reflects the city's coastal position and proximity to major seismic zones.
Significantly riskier than inland peers
Portsmouth's risk score of 54.0 far exceeds nearby Powhatan County (21.1) and Prince George County (13.9), which benefit from inland locations. The city's waterfront geography creates distinct hazards compared to neighboring rural counties.
Hurricanes and earthquakes pose top threats
Portsmouth's hurricane risk of 86.6 is exceptionally high, reflecting coastal storm exposure that can bring surge, flooding, and wind damage. Earthquake risk at 64.9 also warrants serious attention, as seismic events could impact infrastructure and buildings throughout the city.
Prioritize comprehensive coverage today
Homeowners and renters in Portsmouth should verify that standard homeowners insurance covers hurricane and windstorm damage—many policies require separate riders. Given earthquake exposure, consider adding earthquake coverage to protect your property and savings.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Portsmouth city
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Portsmouth city
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Portsmouth city is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 54th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Portsmouth city's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Portsmouth city's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (64th percentile), tornado (51th percentile), wildfire (20th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 87th percentile nationally makes Portsmouth city a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Portsmouth city evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Alongside hurricane exposure, earthquake at the 65th percentile nationally means Portsmouth city households should plan for multiple hazard scenarios within a single storm event. Portsmouth city residents benefit from registering with the county's special-needs evacuation registry if household members have mobility limitations, require electricity-dependent medical equipment, or cannot self-evacuate — registration in advance of storm season is required.
Regional Context
Portsmouth city is 20.7 composite risk points above the Virginia average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Portsmouth city's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Portsmouth city, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Portsmouth city?
How does Portsmouth city risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Portsmouth city at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Portsmouth 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.