Augusta County, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 69th
Augusta County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 68.6, 69th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $25M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Augusta County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 68.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 69th national percentile and below the national average 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 landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Medium risk — $52K in expected annual loss and about 1.65 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $812K in expected annual loss and about 2.15 events per year; and riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Medium risk — $18M in expected annual loss and about 2.57 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $25M in expected annual loss for a population of 77K.
Beyond physical exposure, Augusta County has a medium 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). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
The federal record bears this out: Augusta County has received 24 federal disaster declarations since 1969, including 6 for hurricane events and 5 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 133 Virginia counties, Augusta County ranks #15 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Landslide | Medium | 1.65 / yr | $52K |
| Hail | Medium | 2.15 / yr | $812K |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 2.57 / yr | $18M |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.05 / yr | $2M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 2.75 / yr | $1M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 12.69 / yr | $131K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $186K |
| Drought | Medium | 4.49 / yr | $516K |
| Lightning | Medium | 40.77 / yr | $471K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $754K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $3K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 1.67 / yr | $388K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 2.25 / yr | $611K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.18 / yr | $591K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.71 / yr | $33K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Augusta County has received 24 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (6), Flood (5), Severe Storm (4).
| 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 |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| July 2012 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds |
| April 2010 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorms |
| February 2010 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| September 2003 | Hurricane | Hurricane Isabel |
Showing the 10 most recent of 24 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Augusta County?
Augusta County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 68.6 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 69th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Augusta County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Medium, $52K EAL), Hail (Medium, $812K EAL), Riverine Flood (Medium, $18M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Augusta County compare to other Virginia counties?
Augusta County ranks #15 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Augusta County had?
FEMA records 24 federal disaster declarations for Augusta County since 1969, most often 6 for hurricane events and 5 for flood 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. Augusta County's $25M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.