Richmond, Virginia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Richmond is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Richmond City.
Richmond is a city of 229,359 people in Richmond City, Virginia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Richmond City relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and heat wave, with about $39.2 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 251 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 14 tornadoes and 86 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 5 hurricanes and 17 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Richmond City. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Richmond
Full Richmond 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.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $22M | |
| Earthquake | $8M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Hurricane | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $1M | |
| Hail | $370K | |
| Lightning | $308K | |
| Strong wind | $288K | |
| Ice storm | $132K | |
| Winter weather | $71K | |
| Coastal flooding | $15K |
Homes in Richmond
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 Richmond City
Common questions about Richmond
Is Richmond safe from natural disasters?
Richmond is in Richmond City, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, heat wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Richmond?
By expected yearly losses in Richmond City, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), earthquake (Moderate), heat wave (Moderate). Richmond City has been part of 18 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Richmond get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 14 tornadoes in Richmond City since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on June 13, 1951. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Richmond?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Richmond City, about 0.6% 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.