Washington County, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 47th
Washington County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 46.6, 47th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $12M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Washington County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 46.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 47th 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 Washington County's expected losses come from landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Medium risk — $93K in expected annual loss and about 1.73 events per year; strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $934K in expected annual loss and about 2.82 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $803K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $12M in expected annual loss for a population of 54K.
Beyond physical exposure, Washington County has a high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a low community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). That combination — a more vulnerable population with limited resilience — can amplify the human cost of any given event.
The federal record bears this out: Washington County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1976, including 4 for severe storm events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 133 Virginia counties, Washington County ranks #42 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Landslide | Medium | 1.73 / yr | $93K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 2.82 / yr | $934K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $803K |
| Avalanche | Low | 0.01 / yr | $3K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.00 / yr | $8M |
| Lightning | Medium | 49.03 / yr | $256K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $103K |
| Drought | Low | 11.94 / yr | $153K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 2.31 / yr | $878K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.22 / yr | $63K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 13.04 / yr | $36K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $15K |
| Hail | Very Low | 3.28 / yr | $109K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.09 / yr | $436K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Washington County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1976, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (4), Flood (4), Hurricane (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| April 2025 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Flooding |
| October 2024 | Tropical Storm | Tropical Storm Helene |
| September 2024 | Tropical Storm | Post-Tropical Cyclone Helene |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Florence |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| April 2002 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
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 Washington County?
Washington County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 46.6 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 47th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Washington County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Medium, $93K EAL), Strong Wind (Medium, $934K EAL), Earthquake (Low, $803K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Washington County compare to other Virginia counties?
Washington County ranks #42 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Washington County had?
FEMA records 20 federal disaster declarations for Washington County since 1976, most often 4 for severe storm events and 4 for flood 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. Washington County's $12M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.