Poquoson City, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 2th
Poquoson City faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 2.4, 2th national percentile), driven primarily by coastal flood and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $4M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Poquoson City carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 2.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 2nd 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.
Risk here concentrates in coastal flood (seawater inundation from storm surge, high tides, and rising sea levels) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 3.69 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $427K in expected annual loss and about 0.23 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Very Low risk — $77K 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 12K.
Beyond physical exposure, Poquoson City 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 county's disaster history tells the same story: Poquoson City has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 9 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, Poquoson City ranks #130 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Coastal Flood | Medium | 3.69 / yr | $1M |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.23 / yr | $427K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $77K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 6.04 / yr | $138K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.79 / yr | $27K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $12K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $210K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 39.52 / yr | $61K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.47 / yr | $116K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.18 / yr | $2M |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.54 / yr | $78K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.55 / yr | $25K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 3.71 / yr | $3K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 1.87 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Poquoson City has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (9), 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 |
| August 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| December 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding Associated with Tropical Depression Ida and a Nor'east |
| September 2006 | Severe Storm | Tropical Depression Ernesto, Severe Storms and Flooding |
| 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 Poquoson City?
Poquoson City has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 2.4 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 2th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Poquoson City?
The three highest-rated hazards are Coastal Flood (Medium, $1M EAL), Hurricane (Low, $427K EAL), Earthquake (Very Low, $77K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Poquoson City compare to other Virginia counties?
Poquoson City ranks #130 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Poquoson City had?
FEMA records 18 federal disaster declarations for Poquoson City since 1977, most often 9 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. Poquoson City's $4M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.