Virginia Beach, Virginia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Virginia Beach is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Virginia Beach City.
Virginia Beach is a city of 456,349 people in Virginia Beach City, Virginia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Virginia Beach City relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are hurricane, heat wave and inland flooding, with about $30.6 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 461 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 15 tornadoes and 89 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 18 hurricanes and 42 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 12.1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Virginia Beach City. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Virginia Beach
Full Virginia Beach City report ›- 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.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | $10M | |
| Heat wave | $5M | |
| Inland flooding | $5M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Coastal flooding | $1M | |
| Earthquake | $1M | |
| Hail | $495K | |
| Strong wind | $179K | |
| Wildfire | $102K | |
| Ice storm | $95K |
Homes in Virginia Beach
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 Virginia Beach City
Other cities in Virginia
All ›Common questions about Virginia Beach
Is Virginia Beach safe from natural disasters?
Virginia Beach is in Virginia Beach City, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are hurricane, heat wave, inland flooding. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Virginia Beach?
By expected yearly losses in Virginia Beach City, the top hazards are hurricane (Moderate), heat wave (Moderate), inland flooding (Very Low). Virginia Beach City has been part of 16 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Virginia Beach get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 15 tornadoes in Virginia Beach City since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on April 30, 2023 near Ocean Park. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Virginia Beach?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Virginia Beach City, about 12.1% 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.