Chesapeake City, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 81th
Chesapeake City faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 80.9, 81th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and heat wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $56M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Chesapeake City at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 80.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 81st 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.
Most of Chesapeake City's expected losses come from hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $14M in expected annual loss and about 0.24 events per year; heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 6.88 events per year; and riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Medium risk — $29M in expected annual loss and about 1.32 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $56M in expected annual loss for a population of 249K.
Beyond physical exposure, Chesapeake City has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very 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: Chesapeake City has received 18 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, Chesapeake City ranks #7 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.24 / yr | $14M |
| Heat Wave | Medium | 6.88 / yr | $3M |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 1.32 / yr | $29M |
| Coastal Flood | Medium | 3.65 / yr | $3M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.16 / yr | $3M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $1M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $168K |
| Hail | Low | 1.44 / yr | $507K |
| Lightning | Low | 42.26 / yr | $345K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.88 / yr | $94K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.47 / yr | $1M |
| Drought | Low | 1.10 / yr | $87K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 3.44 / yr | $49K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $384 |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.55 / yr | $87K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Chesapeake City has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (10), Biological (2), Snowstorm (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 2016 | Hurricane | Hurricane Matthew |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| August 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| December 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding Associated with Tropical Depression Ida and a Nor'east |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
Showing the 10 most recent of 18 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Chesapeake City?
Chesapeake City has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 80.9 out of 100, placing it in the Low 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 Chesapeake City?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Medium, $14M EAL), Heat Wave (Medium, $3M EAL), Riverine Flood (Medium, $29M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Chesapeake City compare to other Virginia counties?
Chesapeake City ranks #7 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Chesapeake City had?
FEMA records 18 federal disaster declarations for Chesapeake City 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. Chesapeake City's $56M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.