High Risk Virginia  ·  Terrorism / Tornado

Arlington County VA

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

7/ 10
Threat Score
Population
238
Area
26
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Terrorism / Tornado
FEMA Disasters
5
federally declared

Arlington County directly across the Potomac River from Washington DC contains the Pentagon — headquarters of the US Department of Defense and the largest office building in the world — and Arlington National Cemetery. The county is the most densely populated jurisdiction in Virginia. On September 11 2001 American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon killing 189 people. The county faces terrorism risk commensurate with its proximity to the US capital and concentration of defense intelligence and government infrastructure.

// Preparedness Recommendations

  • Identify an interior room or storm shelter.
  • Monitor NOAA weather alerts continuously.
  • Keep emergency kit accessible at all times.
  • Prepare for sudden power outages.

// Recommended Supplies

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

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 7 / 10    High Risk
Primary Hazard Terrorism / Tornado
Secondary Hazard Flash Flooding
FEMA Flood Zone High
Federally Declared Disasters 5
Last Major Event 9/11 Pentagon 2001
Event Frequency Annual

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (703) 228-3100
Emergency Shelters 10 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-66 I-395 US-29 VA-110

// County Profile

County Arlington County VA
State Virginia (VA)
Population 238
Area 26 sq miles
FEMA Region High

// Major Cities

Arlington VA

// Cities in This County

// Other Virginia Counties

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

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

Pentagon Arlington Virginia
Military Installation  ·  Arlington, VA  ·  US Department of Defense  ·  2-mi risk zone
10/10 Critical
DC Metro Pentagon Station VA
Military Installation  ·  Arlington, VA  ·  Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority  ·  2-mi risk zone
9/10 Critical
🏟
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport VA
Stadium / Arena  ·  Arlington, VA  ·  Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority  ·  5-mi risk zone
7/10 High

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