Petersburg, Virginia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Petersburg is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Petersburg City.
Petersburg is a city of 33,537 people in Petersburg City, Virginia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Petersburg City very low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and hurricane, with about $5.4 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 112 storm reports in the county since 1970, including 4 tornadoes and 41 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 5 hurricanes and 22 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Petersburg City. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Petersburg
Full Petersburg 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $3M | |
| Earthquake | $532K | |
| Hurricane | $445K | |
| Tornado | $398K | |
| Heat wave | $316K | |
| Strong wind | $157K | |
| Lightning | $111K | |
| Ice storm | $69K | |
| Winter weather | $50K | |
| Hail | $31K | |
| Coastal flooding | $8K | |
| Wildfire | $4K |
Homes in Petersburg
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 Petersburg City
Other cities in Virginia
All ›Common questions about Petersburg
Is Petersburg safe from natural disasters?
Petersburg is in Petersburg City, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates very low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, hurricane. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Petersburg?
By expected yearly losses in Petersburg City, the top hazards are inland flooding (Very Low), earthquake (Low), hurricane (Low). Petersburg City has been part of 15 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Petersburg get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 4 tornadoes in Petersburg City since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on May 8, 1984. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Petersburg?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Petersburg City, about 0.9% 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.