Chesapeake, VA
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Chesapeake is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk — lower risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Chesapeake, VA. The county's highest-rated hazards are hurricane, heat wave, and inland flooding.
Storm events near Chesapeake
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Chesapeake's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Chesapeake itself, not the whole county.
County-wide hazard risk
Every other hazard FEMA and NOAA track — including drought — is only scored at the county level. These are Chesapeake's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Chesapeake along with the rest of the county, not a Chesapeake-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 66.4 | Relatively Low |
| Inland Flooding | 82.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flooding | 80.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake | 71.1 | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | 88.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tornado | 71.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 45.6 | Relatively Low |
| Drought | 40.3 | Relatively Low |
| Hail | 61.4 | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | 92 | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | 46.5 | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | 29.6 | Very Low |
| Lightning | 53.8 | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | 9.5 | Very Low |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 36.1 | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Chesapeake risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
More on Chesapeake:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Chesapeake, VA at risk of?
Chesapeake is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — lower risk than most US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Chesapeake, where Chesapeake is located, are hurricane, heat wave, and inland flooding.
What is Chesapeake's biggest natural hazard risk?
Hurricane is the highest-rated hazard for Chesapeake, where Chesapeake is located, scoring 92 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively Moderate").
Is Chesapeake a high-risk area for natural disasters?
No — Chesapeake carries lower risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Low" for Chesapeake.
Has Chesapeake had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 13 tornado, 52 hail, 216 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Chesapeake since 2016.