Natural Disaster Risk in Sharps

Natural Hazard Profile: Sharps, Virginia

Sharps, in Richmond 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 Sharps residents and property owners must navigate.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Sharps carries an overall risk score of 4.4/10, placing it in the moderate category. Coastal flooding is the dominant hazard, with storm surge from tropical systems and nor'easters capable of inundating low-lying shoreline areas well above normal tidal levels. The area also faces notable exposure to drought and hurricane.

Within Virginia, Sharps'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 Richmond County identifies coastal flood as the foremost hazard, followed by drought and hurricane. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, Sharps 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.