Powhatan County, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 21th
Powhatan County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 21.1, 21th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and earthquake exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $10M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Powhatan County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 21.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 21st 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 drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 6.54 events per year; earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $1M 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 — $307K in expected annual loss and about 0.10 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $10M in expected annual loss for a population of 30K.
Beyond physical exposure, Powhatan 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 county's disaster history tells the same story: Powhatan County has received 24 federal disaster declarations since 1969, including 8 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, Powhatan County ranks #73 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 6.54 / yr | $2M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $1M |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.10 / yr | $307K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 1.22 / yr | $52K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.07 / yr | $207K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.50 / yr | $4M |
| Lightning | Low | 41.84 / yr | $132K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.13 / yr | $501K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.27 / yr | $232 |
| Strong Wind | Low | 2.08 / yr | $287K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 5.40 / yr | $28K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.45 / yr | $55K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.58 / yr | $9K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Powhatan County has received 24 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (8), Severe Storm (4), Snowstorm (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| April 2025 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Flooding |
| 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 |
| December 2018 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Michael |
| September 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Florence |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| July 2012 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds |
Showing the 10 most recent of 24 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Powhatan County?
Powhatan County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 21.1 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 21th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Powhatan County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $2M EAL), Earthquake (Low, $1M EAL), Hurricane (Low, $307K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Powhatan County compare to other Virginia counties?
Powhatan County ranks #73 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Powhatan County had?
FEMA records 24 federal disaster declarations for Powhatan County since 1969, most often 8 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. Powhatan County's $10M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.