Portsmouth, Virginia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Portsmouth is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Portsmouth City.
Portsmouth is a city of 97,190 people in Portsmouth City, Virginia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Portsmouth 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 $18.2 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 157 storm reports in the county since 1959, including 4 tornadoes and 38 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 14 hurricanes and 42 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 9.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Portsmouth City. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Portsmouth
Full Portsmouth 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 | $7M | |
| Hurricane | $5M | |
| Tornado | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Cold wave | $908K | |
| Coastal flooding | $734K | |
| Earthquake | $613K | |
| Lightning | $467K | |
| Strong wind | $408K | |
| Winter weather | $177K | |
| Hail | $168K | |
| Ice storm | $127K |
Homes in Portsmouth
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 Portsmouth City
Other cities in Virginia
All ›Common questions about Portsmouth
Is Portsmouth safe from natural disasters?
Portsmouth is in Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth?
By expected yearly losses in Portsmouth City, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), hurricane (Moderate), tornado (Low). Portsmouth City has been part of 16 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Portsmouth get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 4 tornadoes in Portsmouth City since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on November 3, 1971. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Portsmouth?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Portsmouth City, about 9.6% 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.