Chesapeake Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 251,153 and a calculated risk score of 84.4, Chesapeake faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Chesapeake, VA. Calling Chesapeake home means understanding its environment. While often overlooked, the local hazard data is clear. The numbers show a clear susceptibility to hurricanes.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Chesapeake sits at a Risk Score of 84.382. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Hurricane and Ice Storm.
Hurricane risk in Chesapeake, Virginia
Being situated in a region vulnerable to tropical cyclones, Chesapeake faces threats from high winds and storm surge. Historical data shows significant impacts from major storms, requiring robust flood insurance and evacuation planning.
Chesapeake Hurricane Prep Checklist
- •Know your specific evacuation zone and local routes
- •Install storm shutters or measure/cut plywood in advance
- •Stock at least 7 days of water and non-perishable food
Top Hazards for The Chesapeake Area
When analyzing the risk profile of Virginia, Chesapeake's geography makes it particularly susceptible to hurricane risks. Crucially, we've weighted historical incidence rates to arrive at a localized risk verification of 94.8. Heavy rainfall events can quickly overwhelm local drainage, making situational awareness key.
Comparisons of local data to the rest of Virginia reveal, Chesapeake faces a critical challenge with ice storm events. In light of this, with a calculated Risk Score of 91.1, this hazard ranks among the top concerns. Identifying a safe, windowless interior room is part of basic move-in preparation here.
As population density grows in Virginia, future climate projections suggest an uptick in heat wave severity. However, our modeling, based on FEMA and NOAA datasets, assigns a score of 89.9/100. Power outages often accompany these events, making backup power (like batteries) essential.
Winter Grid Failure Guide
Chesapeake has significant winter storm risk. Learn the thermodynamics of survival when the power goes out.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Chesapeake? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Chesapeake
Read the Full Guide →For Chesapeake, water protection is key. The combination of high winds and potential storm surge requires a multi-layered approach. You need to be ready to shelter in place for 72 hours or evacuate at a moment's notice.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Elevate critical documents and electronics off the floor.
- 2Have a 'Go-Bag' ready in case evacuation orders are issued.
- 3Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for 7 days.
- 4Identify your evacuation zone and map out two different routes.
- 5Install storm shutters or have pre-cut plywood ready for windows.
Essential Gear for Chesapeake
Water
Scepter 2.5 Gallon Water Container
Lighter and easier to carry than the 5-gallon version.
Power
Anker PowerCore 10K
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
The best insurance against Hurricane is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | 80.8 | When compared to Virginia Beach, Chesapeake is slightly higher risk. The difference of 3.6 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Richmond | 59.3 | When compared to Richmond, Chesapeake is slightly higher risk. The difference of 25.1 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Arlington | 60.7 | Choosing between Chesapeake and Arlington? Chesapeake presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Norfolk | 85.5 | Norfolk and Chesapeake share similar regional risks, but our data gives Chesapeake the edge in overall safety. |
| Roanoke | 34.0 | Roanoke and Chesapeake share similar regional risks, but our data gives Roanoke the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Hurricanes in Chesapeake?
With a risk score of 94.8 for Hurricane, Chesapeake is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Hurricane events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Chesapeake safer than other cities in Virginia?
It varies by hazard. While Chesapeake has its own risk profile (Total Score: 84.4), it is generally comparable to the average in Virginia. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Chesapeake given the risk of Ice Storm?
Every city has risks. The threat of Ice Storm (Score: 91.1) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Chesapeake is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Chesapeake compare to other cities in Virginia?
See the full Virginia Disaster Rankings to see how Chesapeake stacks up against other cities in the state.