Norfolk, Virginia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Norfolk is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Norfolk City.
Norfolk is a city of 233,596 people in Norfolk City, Virginia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Norfolk City relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and tornado, with about $45.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 320 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 12 tornadoes and 96 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 14 hurricanes and 44 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 14.1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Norfolk City. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Norfolk
Full Norfolk 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 | $17M | |
| Hurricane | $13M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Coastal flooding | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $1M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Hail | $542K | |
| Ice storm | $220K | |
| Winter weather | $132K |
Homes in Norfolk
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 Norfolk City
Common questions about Norfolk
Is Norfolk safe from natural disasters?
Norfolk is in Norfolk City, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for 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 Norfolk?
By expected yearly losses in Norfolk City, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), hurricane (Moderate), tornado (Moderate). Norfolk City has been part of 16 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Norfolk get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 12 tornadoes in Norfolk City since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on April 8, 1962. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Norfolk?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Norfolk City, about 14.1% 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.