Waynesboro City, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 10th
Waynesboro City faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 10.3, 10th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and earthquake exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $6M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Waynesboro City at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 10.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 10th 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 hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $296K in expected annual loss and about 0.07 events per year; earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Very Low risk — $315K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Very Low risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 0.61 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $6M in expected annual loss for a population of 22K.
Beyond physical exposure, Waynesboro 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.
History supports the rating: Waynesboro City has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 5 for hurricane events and 4 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 133 Virginia counties, Waynesboro City ranks #104 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Low | 0.07 / yr | $296K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $315K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.61 / yr | $5M |
| Lightning | Low | 41.19 / yr | $133K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 2.95 / yr | $347K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 12.68 / yr | $30K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.74 / yr | $94K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $139 |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.42 / yr | $86K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $209K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.94 / yr | $13K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 2.16 / yr | $109K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $1K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 4.88 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Waynesboro City has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (5), Snowstorm (4), Flood (3).
| 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 |
| April 2010 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorms |
| February 2010 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| September 2003 | Hurricane | Hurricane Isabel |
| September 1996 | Hurricane | Hurricane Fran and Associated Severe Storm Cond |
Showing the 10 most recent of 15 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Waynesboro City?
Waynesboro City has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 10.3 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 10th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Waynesboro City?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Low, $296K EAL), Earthquake (Very Low, $315K EAL), Riverine Flood (Very Low, $5M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Waynesboro City compare to other Virginia counties?
Waynesboro City ranks #104 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Waynesboro City had?
FEMA records 15 federal disaster declarations for Waynesboro City since 1972, most often 5 for hurricane events and 4 for snowstorm 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. Waynesboro City's $6M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.