Accomack County, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
MediumComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 81th
Accomack County faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 81.0, 81th national percentile), driven primarily by coastal flood and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $31M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Accomack County at medium composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 81.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 81st national percentile and near the national midpoint for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by coastal flood (seawater inundation from storm surge, high tides, and rising sea levels) at Very High risk — $11M in expected annual loss and about 3.69 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at High risk — $13M in expected annual loss and about 0.25 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $276K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $31M in expected annual loss for a population of 33K.
Beyond physical exposure, Accomack County has a very high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
History supports the rating: Accomack County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 10 for hurricane events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 133 Virginia counties, Accomack County ranks #6 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Coastal Flood | Very High | 3.69 / yr | $11M |
| Hurricane | High | 0.25 / yr | $13M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $276K |
| Drought | Low | 1.98 / yr | $195K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.84 / yr | $845K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 5.00 / yr | $296K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $208K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.50 / yr | $5M |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.27 / yr | $58K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.65 / yr | $211K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 5.05 / yr | $18K |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.78 / yr | $57K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 33.98 / yr | $53K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.37 / yr | $142K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $46 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Accomack County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (10), Biological (2), Severe Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Florence |
| November 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| August 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| September 2006 | Severe Storm | Tropical Depression Ernesto, Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
Showing the 10 most recent of 20 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Accomack County?
Accomack County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 81.0 out of 100, placing it in the Medium category and the 81th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Accomack County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Coastal Flood (Very High, $11M EAL), Hurricane (High, $13M EAL), Wildfire (Low, $276K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Accomack County compare to other Virginia counties?
Accomack County ranks #6 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Accomack County had?
FEMA records 20 federal disaster declarations for Accomack County since 1972, most often 10 for hurricane events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm, declared in January 2026.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Accomack County's $31M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.