Newport News, Virginia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Newport News is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Newport News City.
Newport News is a city of 184,216 people in Newport News City, Virginia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Newport News 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 $31.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 246 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 7 tornadoes and 47 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 11 hurricanes and 36 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 2.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Newport News City. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Newport News
Full Newport News 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 | $14M | |
| Hurricane | $6M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Earthquake | $1M | |
| Lightning | $642K | |
| Coastal flooding | $527K | |
| Ice storm | $446K | |
| Hail | $397K | |
| Winter weather | $296K |
Homes in Newport News
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 Newport News City
Other cities in Virginia
All ›Common questions about Newport News
Is Newport News safe from natural disasters?
Newport News is in Newport News 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 Newport News?
By expected yearly losses in Newport News City, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), hurricane (Moderate), tornado (Moderate). Newport News City has been part of 19 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Newport News get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 7 tornadoes in Newport News City since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on September 5, 1979. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Newport News?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Newport News City, about 2.8% 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.