Moderate Risk Virginia  ·  Tornado / Severe Storm

Fairfax County VA

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

5/ 10
Threat Score
Population
1,150,309
Area
395
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Tornado / Severe Storm
FEMA Disasters
28
federally declared

Fairfax County in Northern Virginia is the most populous county in Virginia and one of the wealthiest in the nation. The June 2012 derecho caused catastrophic power outages affecting over 400,000 residents for up to two weeks during a heat wave. The county's proximity to Washington DC and concentration of federal government contractors makes continuity of operations a unique emergency management priority.

// 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 5 / 10    Moderate Risk
Primary Hazard Tornado / Severe Storm
Secondary Hazard Flash Flooding
FEMA Flood Zone Zone X (Low-Moderate Risk)
Federally Declared Disasters 28
Last Major Event Derecho (June 2012)
Event Frequency Major event every 6–8 years

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (703) 246-2123
Emergency Shelters 52 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-95 South, I-66 West, I-495, US-1 South

// County Profile

County Fairfax County VA
State Virginia (VA)
Population 1,150,309
Area 395 sq miles
FEMA Region Zone X (Low-Moderate Risk)

// Major Cities

North Springfield VA McLean VA Tysons VA Vienna VA Chantilly VA Herndon VA Springfield VA Fort Belvoir VA Lorton VA Newington 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.

📡
Ashburn VA Internet Exchange Data Center Hub
Telecom / Internet  ·  Ashburn, VA  ·  Equinix / AWS / Various  ·  5-mi risk zone
10/10 Critical
📡
Northern Virginia Data Center Corridor VA
Telecom / Internet  ·  Ashburn, VA  ·  Equinix / AWS / Microsoft / Google / Various  ·  5-mi risk zone
10/10 Critical
📡
SWIFT Financial Messaging Network US Hub
Telecom / Internet  ·  Chantilly, VA  ·  SWIFT Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication  ·  2-mi risk zone
9/10 Critical
📡
MAE-East Tysons Corner VA Internet Exchange
Telecom / Internet  ·  Tysons Corner, VA  ·  Equinix / Various  ·  2-mi risk zone
9/10 Critical
📡
Ashburn Virginia Data Center Hub VA
Telecom / Internet  ·  Ashburn, VA  ·  Multiple — AWS Microsoft Google Equinix  ·  25-mi risk zone
8/10 High
Herndon Transmission Substation Northern VA
Power Plant  ·  Herndon, VA  ·  Dominion Energy Virginia  ·  5-mi risk zone
8/10 High
🏥
Inova Fairfax Hospital Falls Church VA
Major Hospital  ·  Falls Church, VA  ·  Inova Health System  ·  25-mi risk zone
7/10 High
Northrop Grumman Falls Church VA Headquarters
Military Installation  ·  Falls Church, VA  ·  Northrop Grumman  ·  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.