Roanoke, Virginia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Roanoke is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Roanoke City.
Roanoke is a city of 98,355 people in Roanoke City, Virginia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Roanoke City relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, strong wind and cold wave, with about $24.5 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 179 storm reports in the county since 1978, including 1 tornadoes and 69 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 1 hurricane and 7 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Roanoke City. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Roanoke
Full Roanoke 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.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $19M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Cold wave | $1M | |
| Earthquake | $872K | |
| Hurricane | $727K | |
| Lightning | $591K | |
| Tornado | $475K | |
| Hail | $182K | |
| Winter weather | $120K | |
| Heat wave | $106K | |
| Ice storm | $35K | |
| Landslide | $2K |
Homes in Roanoke
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 Roanoke City
Common questions about Roanoke
Is Roanoke safe from natural disasters?
Roanoke is in Roanoke City, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, strong wind, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Roanoke?
By expected yearly losses in Roanoke City, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), strong wind (High), cold wave (Low). Roanoke City has been part of 17 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Roanoke get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 1 tornadoes in Roanoke City since 1950; the strongest was an EF0 tornado on June 3, 2008 near Roanoke. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Roanoke?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Roanoke City, about 0.7% 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.