Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 23708

Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 23708, Virginia

ZIP 23708 in Portsmouth sits along the mid-Atlantic coast. Its humid subtropical climate produces hot, humid summers and four distinct seasons, and notably hurricane and nor'easter exposure. These conditions define the natural disaster environment for households across this ZIP code.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, ZIP 23708 carries an overall risk score of 5.7/10, 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 hurricane and winter.

Within Virginia, ZIP 23708's risk is, slightly above the 5.1/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Virginia identifies coastal flood as the foremost hazard, followed by hurricane and winter. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

ZIP 23708's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that coastal flood exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.