Isle of Wight County, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 38th
Isle of Wight County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 37.9, 38th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $15M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Isle of Wight County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 37.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 38th 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 Isle of Wight County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 2.27 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 0.24 events per year; and coastal flood (seawater inundation from storm surge, high tides, and rising sea levels) at Medium risk — $802K in expected annual loss and about 3.65 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $15M in expected annual loss for a population of 39K.
Beyond physical exposure, Isle of Wight County has a very low 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: Isle of Wight County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 10 for hurricane events and 3 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 133 Virginia counties, Isle of Wight County ranks #53 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 2.27 / yr | $2M |
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.24 / yr | $4M |
| Coastal Flood | Medium | 3.65 / yr | $802K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 4.16 / yr | $101K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 1.13 / yr | $114K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 6.80 / yr | $462K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $55K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $284K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.79 / yr | $5M |
| Hail | Low | 2.06 / yr | $190K |
| Lightning | Low | 44.75 / yr | $156K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.20 / yr | $740K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $422 |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.47 / yr | $391K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.65 / yr | $213K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Isle of Wight County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (10), Severe Storm (3), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Florence |
| 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 |
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 Isle of Wight County?
Isle of Wight County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 37.9 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 38th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Isle of Wight County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $2M EAL), Hurricane (Medium, $4M EAL), Coastal Flood (Medium, $802K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Isle of Wight County compare to other Virginia counties?
Isle of Wight County ranks #53 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Isle of Wight County had?
FEMA records 20 federal disaster declarations for Isle of Wight County since 1972, most often 10 for hurricane events and 3 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. Isle of Wight County's $15M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.