Westmoreland County, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 37th
Westmoreland County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 37.4, 37th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $9M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Westmoreland County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 37.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 37th 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.
Most of Westmoreland County's expected losses come from hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 0.13 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $920K in expected annual loss and about 4.06 events per year; and coastal flood (seawater inundation from storm surge, high tides, and rising sea levels) at Medium risk — $582K in expected annual loss and about 3.65 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $9M in expected annual loss for a population of 18K.
Beyond physical exposure, Westmoreland County has a high 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). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
The federal record bears this out: Westmoreland County has received 25 federal disaster declarations since 1969, including 12 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, Westmoreland County ranks #55 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.13 / yr | $4M |
| Drought | Medium | 4.06 / yr | $920K |
| Coastal Flood | Medium | 3.65 / yr | $582K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.13 / yr | $1K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $188K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 3.45 / yr | $342K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.73 / yr | $40K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.79 / yr | $161K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.61 / yr | $3M |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.67 / yr | $89K |
| Lightning | Low | 39.97 / yr | $78K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.16 / yr | $319K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 5.89 / yr | $20K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $5K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.89 / yr | $80K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Westmoreland County has received 25 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (12), Severe Storm (4), Snowstorm (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| March 2022 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| December 2018 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Michael |
| September 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Florence |
| November 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| November 2011 | Severe Storm | The Remnants of Tropical Storm Lee |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
Showing the 10 most recent of 25 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Westmoreland County?
Westmoreland County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 37.4 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 37th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Westmoreland County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Medium, $4M EAL), Drought (Medium, $920K EAL), Coastal Flood (Medium, $582K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Westmoreland County compare to other Virginia counties?
Westmoreland County ranks #55 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Westmoreland County had?
FEMA records 25 federal disaster declarations for Westmoreland County since 1969, most often 12 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. Westmoreland County's $9M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.