High Risk Virginia  ·  Hurricane / Storm Surge

Virginia Beach City VA

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

7/ 10
Threat Score
Population
459
Area
249
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Hurricane / Storm Surge
FEMA Disasters
8
federally declared

Virginia Beach is home to Naval Air Station Oceana — the East Coast's master jet base — and is one of the most military-integrated beach resort cities in the United States. The city faces serious hurricane storm surge risk along its extensive Atlantic coastline. Sea level rise is already causing chronic flooding in low-lying neighborhoods. The 2019 Virginia Beach mass shooting killed 12 people at a municipal building. Dam Neck Annex houses classified Navy SEAL operations.

// 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 Score 7 / 10    High Risk
Primary Hazard Hurricane / Storm Surge
Secondary Hazard Military Proximity
FEMA Flood Zone High
Federally Declared Disasters 8
Last Major Event 2019 Municipal Shooting
Event Frequency Annual

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (757) 427-4000
Emergency Shelters 16 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-64 VA-44 US-58 VA-168

// County Profile

County Virginia Beach City VA
State Virginia (VA)
Population 459
Area 249 sq miles
FEMA Region High

// 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.

📡
Virginia Beach Submarine Cable Landing Station VA
Telecom / Internet  ·  Virginia Beach, VA  ·  Various  ·  1-mi risk zone
9/10 High
Naval Air Station Oceana VA
Military Installation  ·  Virginia Beach, VA  ·  US Navy  ·  25-mi risk zone
8/10 High
📡
Virginia Beach VA Undersea Cable Landing
Telecom / Internet  ·  Virginia Beach, VA  ·  Subcom / Various Submarine Cable Operators  ·  2-mi risk zone
8/10 High
🌉
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel VA
Bridge / Critical Crossing  ·  Virginia Beach, VA  ·  Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Commission  ·  17-mi risk zone
7/10 High

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