ZIP code 23831, covering Chester, VA, has 92 natural disaster events in the historical record. These include 61 hailstorms, 10 blizzards, and 10 floods. Total documented property damage amounts to $35.9M. These events have resulted in 2 recorded deaths and 28 injuries.
Hailstorms represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 66% of all recorded events (61 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 $7K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Jun 8, 2023.
Chester has experienced 10 blizzards on record. Of these, 4 (40%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for winter storm events here is 4/5 (severe). Winter storm events have caused a combined $176K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 19, 2025.
Chester has experienced 10 floods on record. Of these, 7 (70%) 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 $5.1M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Jul 15, 2025.
Chester has experienced 8 tornadoes on record. 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 $30.6M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jul 9, 2008.
Chester has experienced 2 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $25K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Jul 6, 2011.
Chester has experienced 1 extreme heat event on record. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for heat-related events here is 4/5 (severe). 2 fatalities have been attributed to extreme heat events in this area. The most recent recorded extreme heat event occurred on May 10, 2018.
The most significant disaster event on record for Chester was EF3 Tornado on May 8, 1984, which caused $25M in property damage. Another major event was Flash Flood (Jul 15, 2025), causing $4.8M in damages. EF2 Tornado on Apr 2, 1990 also caused significant damage ($2.5M).
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 23831 has experienced 92 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include hailstorms (61 events), blizzards (10 events), floods (10 events), tornadoes (8 events), severe wind events (2 events), and extreme heat event (1 event). The primary hazard is hailstorms, which account for 66% of all recorded events.
Hailstorms are the most frequently recorded hazard in Chester, VA, with 61 events documented. These events have caused a combined $7K in property damage.
Yes, Chester (ZIP 23831) has 10 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $5.1M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Jul 15, 2025.
Chester has 8 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 $30.6M. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jul 9, 2008.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 23831 was EF3 Tornado, which occurred on May 8, 1984. This event caused $25M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 4/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $35.9M in property damage in the Chester, VA area (ZIP 23831). 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 →