Hanover County, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 53th
Hanover County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 53.5, 53th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and earthquake exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $29M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Hanover County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 53.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 53rd 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 drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 4.76 events per year; earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.10 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $29M in expected annual loss for a population of 110K.
Beyond physical exposure, Hanover County 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: Hanover County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1969, including 7 for hurricane events and 4 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 133 Virginia counties, Hanover County ranks #30 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 4.76 / yr | $3M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $4M |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.10 / yr | $2M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.93 / yr | $15M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 1.21 / yr | $226K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 4.66 / yr | $870K |
| Lightning | Medium | 42.15 / yr | $502K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.27 / yr | $2M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 2.27 / yr | $680K |
| Hail | Low | 2.44 / yr | $247K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.30 / yr | $609 |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $26K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 6.02 / yr | $47K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 3.69 / yr | $3K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $6 |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.62 / yr | $31K |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Hanover County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (7), Severe Storm (4), Snowstorm (4).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| March 2022 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| May 2021 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| 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 |
| February 2010 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
Showing the 10 most recent of 22 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Hanover County?
Hanover County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 53.5 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 53th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Hanover County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $3M EAL), Earthquake (Low, $4M EAL), Hurricane (Low, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Hanover County compare to other Virginia counties?
Hanover County ranks #30 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Hanover County had?
FEMA records 22 federal disaster declarations for Hanover County since 1969, most often 7 for hurricane events and 4 for severe storm 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. Hanover County's $29M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.