Chesapeake, Virginia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Chesapeake is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Chesapeake City.
Chesapeake is a city of 252,583 people in Chesapeake City, Virginia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Chesapeake City relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and tornado, with about $56.2 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 333 storm reports in the county since 1969, including 13 tornadoes and 47 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 20 hurricanes and 42 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 8.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Chesapeake City. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Chesapeake
Full Chesapeake 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.
- 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.
- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $29M | |
| Hurricane | $14M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Coastal flooding | $3M | |
| Earthquake | $1M | |
| Cold wave | $1M | |
| Hail | $507K | |
| Lightning | $345K | |
| Wildfire | $168K | |
| Ice storm | $94K | |
| Strong wind | $87K |
Homes in Chesapeake
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 Chesapeake City
Other cities in Virginia
All ›Common questions about Chesapeake
Is Chesapeake safe from natural disasters?
Chesapeake is in Chesapeake City, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Chesapeake?
By expected yearly losses in Chesapeake City, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), hurricane (Moderate), tornado (Moderate). Chesapeake City has been part of 16 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Chesapeake get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 13 tornadoes in Chesapeake City since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on August 6, 1993 near Se Chesapeake. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Chesapeake?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Chesapeake City, about 8.3% 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.