Norfolk City, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
MediumComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 81th
Norfolk City faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 81.2, 81th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and heat wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $46M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Norfolk City is medium, with a National Risk Index score of 81.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 81st national percentile and near the national midpoint 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 hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $13M 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 6.19 events per year; and lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at High risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 40.70 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $46M in expected annual loss for a population of 238K.
Beyond physical exposure, Norfolk 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 federal record bears this out: Norfolk 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, Norfolk City ranks #5 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.24 / yr | $13M |
| Heat Wave | Medium | 6.19 / yr | $3M |
| Lightning | High | 40.70 / yr | $1M |
| Coastal Flood | High | 3.65 / yr | $3M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $1M |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 1.82 / yr | $17M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.04 / yr | $3M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 0.50 / yr | $1M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 0.47 / yr | $2M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 2.85 / yr | $132K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.48 / yr | $220K |
| Hail | Low | 1.29 / yr | $542K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $18K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $39 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 1.30 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Norfolk 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 Norfolk City?
Norfolk City has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 81.2 out of 100, placing it in the Medium 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 Norfolk City?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Medium, $13M EAL), Heat Wave (Medium, $3M EAL), Lightning (High, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Norfolk City compare to other Virginia counties?
Norfolk City ranks #5 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Norfolk City had?
FEMA records 18 federal disaster declarations for Norfolk 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. Norfolk City's $46M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.