Charlottesville, Virginia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Charlottesville is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Charlottesville City.
Charlottesville is a city of 45,437 people in Charlottesville City, Virginia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Charlottesville City very low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, strong wind and earthquake, with about $10.2 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 80 storm reports in the county since 1977, including 1 tornadoes and 14 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 1 hurricane and 9 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Charlottesville City. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Charlottesville
Full Charlottesville 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.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $5M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $857K | |
| Hurricane | $685K | |
| Tornado | $423K | |
| Lightning | $287K | |
| Hail | $118K | |
| Cold wave | $70K | |
| Winter weather | $41K | |
| Ice storm | $30K | |
| Wildfire | $136 |
Homes in Charlottesville
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 Charlottesville City
Other cities in Virginia
All ›Common questions about Charlottesville
Is Charlottesville safe from natural disasters?
Charlottesville is in Charlottesville City, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates very low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, strong wind, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Charlottesville?
By expected yearly losses in Charlottesville City, the top hazards are inland flooding (Very Low), strong wind (High), earthquake (Low). Charlottesville City has been part of 11 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Charlottesville get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 1 tornadoes in Charlottesville City since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on May 13, 2000 near Charlottesville. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Charlottesville?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Charlottesville City, about 0.5% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk very low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.