Arlington, Virginia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Arlington is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Arlington County.
Arlington is a community of 236,254 people in Arlington County, Virginia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Arlington County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, heat wave and hurricane, with about $37.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 256 storm reports in the county since 1973, including 4 tornadoes and 40 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 2 hurricanes and 14 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Arlington County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Arlington
Full Arlington County 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.
- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $23M | |
| Heat wave | $4M | |
| Hurricane | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Tornado | $1M | |
| Earthquake | $1M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Hail | $639K | |
| Cold wave | $617K | |
| Winter weather | $381K | |
| Ice storm | $154K | |
| Coastal flooding | $34K |
Homes in Arlington
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 Arlington County
Common questions about Arlington
Is Arlington safe from natural disasters?
Arlington is in Arlington County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, heat wave, hurricane. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Arlington?
By expected yearly losses in Arlington County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), heat wave (Moderate), hurricane (Low). Arlington County has been part of 18 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Arlington get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 4 tornadoes in Arlington County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on September 24, 2001 near Arlington. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Arlington?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Arlington County, about 1.9% 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.