Alexandria, Virginia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Alexandria is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Alexandria City.
Alexandria is a city of 156,976 people in Alexandria City, Virginia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Alexandria City relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, heat wave and strong wind, with about $40.1 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 169 storm reports in the county since 1983, including 2 tornadoes and 61 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 2 hurricanes and 15 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 2.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Alexandria City. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Alexandria
Full Alexandria City report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $26M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Hurricane | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Tornado | $1M | |
| Lightning | $961K | |
| Hail | $424K | |
| Coastal flooding | $408K | |
| Cold wave | $404K | |
| Winter weather | $256K | |
| Ice storm | $91K |
Homes in Alexandria
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Alexandria City
Other cities in Virginia
All ›Common questions about Alexandria
Is Alexandria safe from natural disasters?
Alexandria is in Alexandria City, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, heat wave, strong wind. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Alexandria?
By expected yearly losses in Alexandria City, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), heat wave (Moderate), strong wind (High). Alexandria City has been part of 20 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Alexandria get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 2 tornadoes in Alexandria City since 1950; the strongest was an F0 tornado on September 24, 2001 near Alexandria. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Alexandria?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Alexandria City, about 2.4% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.