Natural Disaster Risk in Orkney Springs
Virginia
Risk Summary for Orkney Springs
Orkney Springs scores 6.0/10 (High risk), above 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
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Orkney Springs, Virginia
Orkney Springs is a small unincorporated community in Shenandoah County, along the mid-Atlantic coast. The area experiences hot, humid summers and four distinct seasons, with hurricane and nor'easter exposure shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Orkney Springs.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Orkney Springs carries an overall risk score of 6.0/10, placing it in the high category. The threat of avalanche is the primary natural hazard here, with winter snowpack instability on mountain terrain posing risks to roads, structures, and outdoor recreation activities. The area also faces notable exposure to hurricane and landslide.
Orkney Springs's risk score, slightly above the 5.1/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Shenandoah County, the highest-scoring are avalanche, hurricane, and landslide. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Orkney Springs's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.
What this means for Orkney Springs: Avalanche preparedness
- 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.
- Properties in runout zones may require specialized hazard assessment and insurance.
Local Factors for Orkney Springs
These city-level factors differentiate Orkney Springs from other communities in Shenandoah County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
48
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 38.8°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 6.8/10
Coordinates
38.7799° N, 78.8375° W
Shenandoah 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 Orkney Springs
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Orkney Springs
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.