Colonial Heights City, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 6th
Colonial Heights City faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 6.0, 6th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and coastal flood exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $4M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Colonial Heights City carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 6.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 6th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Colonial Heights City's expected losses come from hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $240K in expected annual loss and about 0.18 events per year; coastal flood (seawater inundation from storm surge, high tides, and rising sea levels) at Very Low risk — $42K in expected annual loss and about 3.69 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Very Low risk — $211K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $4M in expected annual loss for a population of 18K.
Beyond physical exposure, Colonial Heights City has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Colonial Heights City has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 6 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, Colonial Heights City ranks #119 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Low | 0.18 / yr | $240K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 3.69 / yr | $42K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $211K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 5.22 / yr | $164K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 1.33 / yr | $37K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 4.78 / yr | $27K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $346K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.39 / yr | $3M |
| Lightning | Very Low | 44.09 / yr | $60K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.65 / yr | $89K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.25 / yr | $17K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.44 / yr | $2K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $856 |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $2 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 4.74 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Colonial Heights City has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (6), 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 |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| September 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes Associated W Td Gaston |
| September 2003 | Hurricane | Hurricane Isabel |
| February 2000 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
Showing the 10 most recent of 15 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Colonial Heights City?
Colonial Heights City has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 6.0 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 6th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Colonial Heights City?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Low, $240K EAL), Coastal Flood (Very Low, $42K EAL), Earthquake (Very Low, $211K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Colonial Heights City compare to other Virginia counties?
Colonial Heights City ranks #119 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Colonial Heights City had?
FEMA records 15 federal disaster declarations for Colonial Heights City since 1972, most often 6 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. Colonial Heights City's $4M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.