VA · State guide

Virginia emergency preparedness

FEMA's National Risk Index puts Virginia's expected annual loss from natural hazards at about $2.0 billion, rated Relatively Low. The hazards with the largest expected losses are inland flooding, hurricanes and earthquakes.

Weather alerts in Virginia right now

Live

1 warning and 0 watches in force. 9 advisories.

Coastal Flood Warning until Oct 22, 2026, 2:00 PM ETWestmoreland; Northumberland

National Weather Service data, updated Oct 22, 2026, 8:27 AM ET. Not an official warning: follow your local NWS office. All US alerts →

Virginia's biggest natural hazards

FEMA's expected annual loss for each hazard, in dollars a year, and FEMA's rating, from the National Risk Index (December 2025).

Inland floodingRelatively Moderate$1.1 billion a yearHow to prepare →

HurricaneRelatively Moderate$212 million a yearHow to prepare →

EarthquakeRelatively Low$100 million a yearHow to prepare →

TornadoRelatively Moderate$85 million a yearHow to prepare →

Heat waveRelatively Moderate$84 million a yearHow to prepare →

Strong windRelatively High$79 million a yearHow to prepare →

DroughtRelatively High$76 million a yearHow to prepare →

Cold waveRelatively Moderate$76 million a yearHow to prepare →

Get ready for inland flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes

Inland floodingFlood preparedness: flood watch vs warning, what to do and how flood insurance worksGear: Sump pump battery backups · Fireproof document safes

HurricaneHurricane preparedness checklist: what to do before, during and after a stormGear: Generators · Water storage containers

EarthquakeEarthquake preparedness: Drop, Cover and Hold On, and what to do afterGear: First aid kits · Fire extinguishers

TornadoTornado preparedness: watch vs warning, where to shelter and what to do afterGear: Weather radios

Official help in Virginia

State emergency management: Department of Emergency Management
Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone and sign up for your county's local alerts. Make a family plan.
More Virginia government services: USA.gov

Build a kit for your household

Ready.gov's checklist, sized to who lives with you, with extras for the hazards you face.

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Other states where inland flooding tops the list

Alabama Arizona Arkansas Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Georgia

Seasonal checklists for Virginia

One calm email before the season's hazards arrive. No spam.

Sources (4)