Natural Disaster Risk in Portsmouth

Natural Hazard Profile: Portsmouth, Virginia

Portsmouth is a city of approximately 25,610 residents in Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth.

FEMA rates Portsmouth's composite natural disaster risk at 5.7 out of 10 — moderate risk. The risk of coastal inundation tops the local hazard profile, with the area exposed to storm surge, tidal flooding, and wave action during major coastal storm events. Residents should also account for hurricane and winter risk in their preparedness planning.

Portsmouth'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 Portsmouth County, the highest-scoring are coastal flood, hurricane, and winter. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Portsmouth 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 coastal flood is recommended.