Natural Disaster Risk in Locust Dale
Virginia
Risk Summary for Locust Dale
Locust Dale scores 4.6/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Avalanche.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Locust Dale, Virginia
Locust Dale, in Madison County, is a small unincorporated community situated along the mid-Atlantic coast. Its humid subtropical climate brings hot, humid summers and four distinct seasons, and in particular hurricane and nor'easter exposure. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Locust Dale residents and property owners must navigate.
Locust Dale's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.6/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Snow avalanche exposure tops the local risk profile, with the area's mountain setting and annual snowfall loading producing regular avalanche cycles on steep slopes. Secondary hazards include hurricane and drought.
Within Virginia, Locust Dale's risk is, slightly below the 5.1/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Madison County identifies avalanche as the foremost hazard, followed by hurricane and drought. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a moderate risk rating, Locust Dale residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for avalanche is recommended.
What this means for Locust Dale: Avalanche preparedness
- Properties in runout zones may require specialized hazard assessment and insurance.
- Check avalanche forecasts before backcountry travel and carry a beacon, probe, and shovel.
- Be aware of slope angles and recent snow loading, which drive avalanche risk.
Local Factors for Locust Dale
These city-level factors differentiate Locust Dale from other communities in Madison County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
137
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 38.4°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 4.7/10
Coordinates
38.3515° N, 78.1226° W
Madison County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Locust Dale
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Locust Dale
Other cities in Virginia
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.