Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 24221
Blackwater, Virginia
Risk Summary for ZIP 24221
ZIP 24221 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: ZIP 24221, Virginia
ZIP 24221 in Blackwater sits in the interior eastern United States. 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 24221 carries an overall risk score of 6.0/10, placing it in the high category. Avalanche risk is the dominant natural hazard, with steep mountain terrain and heavy seasonal snowpack creating conditions for dangerous snow slides in and around the area. The area also faces notable exposure to landslide and wildfire.
Within Virginia, ZIP 24221'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 avalanche as the foremost hazard, followed by landslide and wildfire. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
ZIP 24221'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 ZIP 24221: Avalanche preparedness
- Properties in runout zones may require specialized hazard assessment and insurance.
- 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.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 24221
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 24221 from other communities in Virginia County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
633
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 36.6°
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
36.6340° N, 82.9943° W
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for ZIP 24221
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
Nearby ZIP codes
Other cities in Virginia
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). County-level data applied to ZIP codes within each county. Scores are normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. This information is for general awareness only — consult official emergency management resources and a licensed insurer for property-specific advice.