Newport News City, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 72th
Newport News City faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 72.2, 72th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $32M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Newport News City at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 72.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 72nd 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 Newport News City's expected losses come from hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $6M in expected annual loss and about 0.22 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $296K in expected annual loss and about 3.80 events per year; and heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 6.20 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $32M in expected annual loss for a population of 186K.
Beyond physical exposure, Newport News City has a 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 county's disaster history tells the same story: Newport News City has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 11 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, Newport News City ranks #14 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.22 / yr | $6M |
| Winter Weather | High | 3.80 / yr | $296K |
| Heat Wave | Medium | 6.20 / yr | $2M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 1.42 / yr | $446K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 0.63 / yr | $1M |
| Lightning | Medium | 41.95 / yr | $642K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $1M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.06 / yr | $3M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.00 / yr | $14M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.47 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Low | 2.03 / yr | $397K |
| Coastal Flood | Low | 3.67 / yr | $527K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $19K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $122 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 1.81 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Newport News City has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (11), 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 21 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Newport News City?
Newport News City has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 72.2 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 72th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Newport News City?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Medium, $6M EAL), Winter Weather (High, $296K EAL), Heat Wave (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Newport News City compare to other Virginia counties?
Newport News City ranks #14 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Newport News City had?
FEMA records 21 federal disaster declarations for Newport News City since 1972, most often 11 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. Newport News City's $32M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.