Norfolk Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 235,037 and a calculated risk score of 85.5, Norfolk faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Norfolk, VA. The community in Norfolk is tight-knit and spirited. But being prepared means knowing what could go wrong. Historical data suggests a pattern of hurricane activity.
Total Risk Score
With a calculated Risk Score of 85.498, Norfolk requires specific preparation. The data highlights Hurricane as the most critical threat to mitigate.
Hurricane risk in Norfolk, Virginia
Being situated in a region vulnerable to tropical cyclones, Norfolk faces threats from high winds and storm surge. Historical data shows significant impacts from major storms, requiring robust flood insurance and evacuation planning.
Norfolk 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 Norfolk Area
From a statewide perspective in Virginia, seasonality plays a huge role in the intensity of hurricanes here. Consequently, our algorithm flags this as a priority area with a calculated intensity of 94.7. Community resilience depends on every household having a plan for hurricanes.
In the broader context of Virginia's climate, river flooding represent a significant vector of concern for Norfolk. Furthermore, recent climate normals and historical event data contribute to this elevated score of 94.1. Protecting property involves elevating critical utilities above potential water lines.
Considering the historical weather trends in Virginia, data indicates that Norfolk has a higher-than-average exposure to coastal flooding. It is important to note that this metric (score: 90.5) aligns with federal disaster declarations for the county. Updates to flood maps suggest this risk vector is increasing for many neighborhoods.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Norfolk? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Norfolk
Read the Full Guide →For Norfolk, 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
- 1Avoid low-lying areas during heavy rain events.
- 2Elevate critical documents and electronics off the floor.
- 3Have a 'Go-Bag' ready in case evacuation orders are issued.
- 4Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for 7 days.
- 5Identify your evacuation zone and map out two different routes.
Essential Gear for Norfolk
Water
COOZMENT 3.2 Gallon Container with Spigot
A solid middle-ground option with a built-in spigot. Good for camping or countertop use.
Power
Jackery Explorer 300
Keep phones and laptops charged during multi-day outages.
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Do not wait for a Hurricane warning to start packing. Secure your essential gear today.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | 80.8 | Virginia Beach and Norfolk share similar regional risks, but our data gives Virginia Beach the edge in overall safety. |
| Richmond | 59.3 | Richmond and Norfolk share similar regional risks, but our data gives Richmond the edge in overall safety. |
| Chesapeake | 84.4 | Choosing between Norfolk and Chesapeake? Norfolk presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Arlington | 60.7 | When compared to Arlington, Norfolk is slightly higher risk. The difference of 24.8 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Roanoke | 34.0 | Choosing between Norfolk and Roanoke? Norfolk presents a unique set of challenges. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Hurricanes in Norfolk?
With a risk score of 94.7 for Hurricane, Norfolk 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 Norfolk safer than other cities in Virginia?
It varies by hazard. While Norfolk has its own risk profile (Total Score: 85.5), it is generally comparable to the average in Virginia. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Norfolk given the risk of River Flooding?
Every city has risks. The threat of River Flooding (Score: 94.1) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Norfolk is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Norfolk compare to other cities in Virginia?
See the full Virginia Disaster Rankings to see how Norfolk stacks up against other cities in the state.