Lynchburg, Virginia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Lynchburg is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Lynchburg City.
Lynchburg is a city of 79,497 people in Lynchburg City, Virginia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Lynchburg City relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, strong wind and earthquake, with about $14.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 179 storm reports in the county since 1977, including 1 tornadoes and 28 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 2 hurricanes and 11 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Lynchburg City. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Lynchburg
Full Lynchburg 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 | $10M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Earthquake | $909K | |
| Hurricane | $820K | |
| Lightning | $537K | |
| Tornado | $535K | |
| Heat wave | $275K | |
| Cold wave | $168K | |
| Hail | $103K | |
| Ice storm | $71K | |
| Winter weather | $57K | |
| Landslide | $4K |
Homes in Lynchburg
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 Lynchburg City
Other cities in Virginia
All ›Common questions about Lynchburg
Is Lynchburg safe from natural disasters?
Lynchburg is in Lynchburg City, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively 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 Lynchburg?
By expected yearly losses in Lynchburg City, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), strong wind (Moderate), earthquake (Low). Lynchburg City has been part of 15 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Lynchburg get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 1 tornadoes in Lynchburg City since 1950; the strongest was an EF2 tornado on April 15, 2018 near Glenn Fld Lynch. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Lynchburg?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Lynchburg City, about 0.2% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.