Natural Disaster Risk in Pennington Gap
Virginia
Risk Summary for Pennington Gap
Pennington Gap 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: Pennington Gap, Virginia
Pennington Gap is a town of roughly 5,839 residents in Lee County, in the interior eastern United States. 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 Pennington Gap.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Pennington Gap 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 landslide and wildfire.
Pennington Gap'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 Lee County, the highest-scoring are avalanche, landslide, and wildfire. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Pennington Gap'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 Pennington Gap: 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 Pennington Gap
These city-level factors differentiate Pennington Gap from other communities in Lee County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
5,839
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 36.7°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 8.3/10
Coordinates
36.7495° N, 83.0304° W
Lee 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 Pennington Gap
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Pennington Gap
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.