Federal records document 68 natural disaster events in the Portsmouth, VA area (ZIP 23701). These include 53 hailstorms, 6 tornadoes, and 5 severe wind events. Total documented property damage amounts to $57.3M. A total of 6 injuries have been reported across all events.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 78% of all recorded events (53 total). One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for hail-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Hail-related events have caused a combined $10.1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 26, 2024.
Portsmouth has experienced 6 tornadoes on record. Tornado-related events have caused a combined $3.6M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Apr 28, 2008.
Portsmouth has experienced 5 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $113K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Jun 25, 2023.
Portsmouth has experienced 4 floods on record. Of these, 4 (100%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for flood-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Flood-related events have caused a combined $43.5M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Oct 8, 2016.
The most significant disaster event on record for Portsmouth was Flood on Oct 8, 2016, which caused $20.8M in property damage. Another major event was Flood (Oct 8, 2016), causing $19M in damages. 1.8" Hail on May 1, 1997 also caused significant damage ($10M).
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 23701 has experienced 68 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (53 events), tornadoes (6 events), severe wind events (5 events), and floods (4 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 78% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Portsmouth, VA, with 53 events documented. These events have caused a combined $10.1M in property damage.
Yes, Portsmouth (ZIP 23701) has 4 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $43.5M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Oct 8, 2016.
Portsmouth has 6 recorded tornado events in the historical record. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $3.6M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Apr 28, 2008.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 23701 was Flood, which occurred on Oct 8, 2016. This event caused $20.8M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $57.3M in property damage in the Portsmouth, VA area (ZIP 23701). This figure is based on historical records from FEMA, NOAA Storm Events Database, and USGS, and covers events from the 1950s through the present. Actual damages may be higher, as not all events have complete damage assessments.
Data sourced from FEMA (disaster declarations, NFIP flood claims), NOAA Storm Events Database, USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, and NIFC wildfire records. Historical coverage varies by source, with most records beginning in the 1950s–1970s. Full methodology →