Williamsburg City, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 2th
Williamsburg City faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 2.4, 2th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and earthquake exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $4M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Williamsburg City is very low, 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.
Most of Williamsburg City's expected losses come from hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $695K in expected annual loss and about 0.22 events per year; earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Very Low risk — $249K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and coastal flood (seawater inundation from storm surge, high tides, and rising sea levels) at Very Low risk — $19K in expected annual loss and about 3.69 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $4M in expected annual loss for a population of 15K.
Beyond physical exposure, Williamsburg 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: Williamsburg City has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1972, 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, Williamsburg City ranks #131 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Low | 0.22 / yr | $695K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $249K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 3.69 / yr | $19K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 1.44 / yr | $54K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 6.25 / yr | $151K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.64 / yr | $335K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $342K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 4.37 / yr | $23K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 41.58 / yr | $65K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.46 / yr | $137K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $51 |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.05 / yr | $36K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.14 / yr | $1M |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 2.13 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Williamsburg City has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (9), Biological (2), Snowstorm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Florence |
| September 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Florence |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| August 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| September 2003 | Hurricane | Hurricane Isabel |
Showing the 10 most recent of 16 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Williamsburg City?
Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg City?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Low, $695K EAL), Earthquake (Very Low, $249K EAL), Coastal Flood (Very Low, $19K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Williamsburg City compare to other Virginia counties?
Williamsburg City ranks #131 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Williamsburg City had?
FEMA records 16 federal disaster declarations for Williamsburg City since 1972, 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. Williamsburg City's $4M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.