Williamsburg city Disaster Risk
Williamsburg city, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
2th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#130
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
37th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Williamsburg city, Virginia
Williamsburg faces very low disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 2.42, Williamsburg ranks well below the national average and sits among Virginia's safest communities. This rating reflects relatively modest exposure to most natural hazards, though hurricane risk registers at 66.96—a reminder that coastal proximity still matters.
Safest city in Virginia for disasters
Williamsburg's score of 2.42 is dramatically lower than Virginia's state average of 33.27, making it one of the most resilient jurisdictions in the commonwealth. This advantage stems from lower flood, tornado, and wildfire exposure compared to inland and mountainous Virginia counties.
Outperforming nearby coastal counties
Williamsburg's very low composite score contrasts sharply with York County (44.66), its neighbor to the south, which faces significantly higher hurricane and flood risks. Winchester city (16.86), further inland, sits in the middle—safer than southern coastal areas but riskier than Williamsburg itself.
Hurricane and earthquake are top concerns
Hurricane risk at 66.96 is Williamsburg's most pressing hazard due to its Peninsula location and Atlantic exposure. Earthquake risk registers at 40.52, reflecting the region's position near moderate seismic zones, though major quakes remain unlikely.
Prioritize hurricane and flood coverage
Even in a low-risk area, hurricane winds and storm surge demand serious planning—standard homeowners insurance typically excludes both. Consider windstorm coverage and evaluate flood insurance through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program, especially if you're in or near a flood zone.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Williamsburg city
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Williamsburg city
Risk Verdict
At the 2th percentile nationally, Williamsburg city experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Williamsburg city's lower-than-average risk profile at the 2th percentile makes it a more manageable preparedness environment, but a reviewed household plan remains the right foundation regardless.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Williamsburg city's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 67th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 41th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (37th percentile), tornado (19th percentile), wildfire (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Williamsburg city ranks at the 67th 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. Alongside hurricane exposure, earthquake at the 41th percentile nationally means Williamsburg city households should plan for multiple hazard scenarios within a single storm event. For extended post-storm outages common in Williamsburg 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
A composite score 30.9 points below the Virginia state average puts Williamsburg city in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Williamsburg city's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.