High Risk Virginia  ·  Hurricane / Sea Level Rise

Norfolk VA

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  VIRGINIA

8 / 10
Threat Score
Population
238,005
Elevation
7
feet above sea level
Primary Hazard
Hurricane / Sea Level Rise
County FEMA Disasters
50
federally declared

Norfolk is one of the most flood-vulnerable cities in the United States. The city is sinking while sea levels rise creating compounding flood risk that already inundates streets during routine high tides with no storm at all. Naval Station Norfolk — the world's largest naval base — sits in a low-lying area that floods regularly. Isabel caused catastrophic flooding in 2003. FEMA considers Norfolk one of the highest-risk cities in the nation for chronic and acute flooding.

// 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 Score8 / 10   High
Primary HazardHurricane / Sea Level Rise
FEMA Flood ZoneZone AE (High Risk)
County FEMA Declarations50
Last Major EventHurricane Isabel (2003)

// Emergency Information

Emergency Phone (757) 664-6500
Evacuation RoutesI-64 West, US-460 West, US-13 North, VA-168 South
Elevation7 ft above sea level

// County Risk Profile

Norfolk VA
Virginia · Hurricane / Storm Surge
View full county emergency preparedness profile →
8/10
High Risk

// 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.