Portsmouth, VA (ZIP 23703) has experienced 81 recorded natural disaster events based on federal and state agency records. These include 56 hailstorms, 13 tornadoes, and 8 severe wind events. Total documented property damage amounts to $98.9M. A total of 20 injuries have been reported across all events.
With 56 recorded incidents (69% of all events), hailstorms are the leading natural hazard for this ZIP code. Hail-related events have caused a combined $11.1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 26, 2024.
There have been 13 recorded tornadoes in this area, representing 16% of all disaster events. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for tornado-related events here is 4/5 (severe). Tornado-related events have caused a combined $13M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jun 1, 2012.
Portsmouth has experienced 8 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $50.1M 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 $24.7M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Oct 8, 2016.
The most significant disaster event on record for Portsmouth was 92 mph Thunderstorm Wind on Jul 26, 2022, which caused $50M 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).
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Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 23703 has experienced 81 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (56 events), tornadoes (13 events), severe wind events (8 events), and floods (4 events). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 69% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Portsmouth, VA, with 56 events documented. These events have caused a combined $11.1M in property damage.
Yes, Portsmouth (ZIP 23703) has 4 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $24.7M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Oct 8, 2016.
Portsmouth has 13 recorded tornado events in the historical record. The strongest tornado recorded reached severity level 4/5 on the normalized scale. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $13M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jun 1, 2012.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 23703 was 92 mph Thunderstorm Wind, which occurred on Jul 26, 2022. This event caused $50M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 2/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $98.9M in property damage in the Portsmouth, VA area (ZIP 23703). 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 →