Critical Risk Virginia  ·  Hurricane / Naval Infrastructure / Sea Level Rise

Norfolk VA

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  VIRGINIA

9 / 10
Threat Score
Population
238005
Elevation
15
feet above sea level
Primary Hazard
Hurricane / Naval Infrastructure / Sea Level Rise
County FEMA Disasters
federally declared

Norfolk is home to Naval Station Norfolk — the largest naval base in the world, homeport to carrier strike groups, destroyers, submarines, and amphibious assault ships representing a significant fraction of US naval combat power. The city sits at near sea level on the Chesapeake Bay and experiences some of the fastest sea level rise rates on the East Coast — tidal flooding now occurs regularly in streets that were dry decades ago. A direct hurricane strike on Hampton Roads would simultaneously threaten the most concentrated naval infrastructure in the world and one of the most flood-vulnerable urban areas on the East Coast. In any conflict involving Iran or adversaries with anti-ship capabilities, Norfolk is a primary strategic asset and potential target.

// Preparedness Recommendations

  • Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
  • Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
  • Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
  • Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.

// Recommended Supplies

Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score9 / 10   Critical
Primary HazardHurricane / Naval Infrastructure / Sea Level Rise
FEMA Flood Zone
County FEMA Declarations
Last Major Event

// Emergency Information

Emergency Phone 757-664-4000
Elevation15 ft above sea level

// Recent Incidents

USS Gerald R. Ford Suffers Shipboard Fire During Operation Epic Fury, Halting Combat Sorties for 48 Hours
Infrastructure Failure  ·  2026-03-12
High

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.

Naval Station Norfolk VA
Port / Marine Terminal  ·  Norfolk  ·  US Navy  ·  25-mi risk zone
9/10 Critical
Norfolk Naval Station VA
Port / Marine Terminal  ·  Norfolk, VA  ·  US Navy  ·  10-mi risk zone
9/10 Critical
Langley Air Force Base VA
Military Installation  ·  Hampton  ·  US Air Force / Air Combat Command  ·  25-mi risk zone
8/10 High
Port of Virginia Hampton Roads VA
Port / Marine Terminal  ·  Norfolk, VA  ·  Virginia Port Authority  ·  5-mi risk zone
8/10 High
Surry Power Station VA
Nuclear Power Plant  ·  Surry  ·  Dominion Energy  ·  10-mi risk zone
7/10 High
Port of Norfolk VA
Port / Marine Terminal  ·  Norfolk, VA  ·  Virginia Port Authority  ·  10-mi risk zone
7/10 High
🏥
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital VA
Major Hospital  ·  Norfolk, VA  ·  Sentara Healthcare  ·  25-mi risk zone
7/10 High

Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.