Roanoke, VA
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Roanoke is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk — lower risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Roanoke, VA. The county's highest-rated hazards are strong wind, inland flooding, and lightning.
Storm events near Roanoke
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Roanoke's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Roanoke 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 Roanoke's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Roanoke along with the rest of the county, not a Roanoke-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 8.5 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 84.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flooding | — | Not Applicable |
| Earthquake | 74.7 | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | 30.1 | Very Low |
| Tornado | 33 | Relatively Low |
| Avalanche | 18.6 | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | 58.7 | Relatively Low |
| Drought | 0 | No Rating |
| Hail | 47.2 | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | 74.6 | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | 36.5 | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | 62.1 | Very Low |
| Lightning | 81.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | 88.9 | Relatively High |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 73.4 | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Roanoke risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
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Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Roanoke, VA at risk of?
Roanoke 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 Roanoke, where Roanoke is located, are strong wind, inland flooding, and lightning.
What is Roanoke's biggest natural hazard risk?
Strong Wind is the highest-rated hazard for Roanoke, where Roanoke is located, scoring 88.9 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively High").
Is Roanoke a high-risk area for natural disasters?
No — Roanoke carries lower risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Low" for Roanoke.
Has Roanoke had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 8 tornado, 83 hail, 173 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Roanoke since 2016.