Hurricane Risk for Virginia Beach, VA
No tropical storms currently threaten the Virginia Beach area. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.
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Since 1851, 216 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of Virginia Beach. Here's what you should know.
By the numbers
Most recent hurricane
Chantal (2025)
Passed within 61 miles of Virginia Beach on July 07, 2025. Peak intensity: TS (57 mph).
Strongest hurricane ever to pass nearby
Unnamed (1935)
Reached Cat 5 (184 mph) at its peak. Passed within 66 miles of Virginia Beach.
Closest approach ever
Charley (2004)
Passed just 5.4 miles from Virginia Beach on August 15, 2004.
When hurricanes hit Virginia Beach
Distribution across the calendar year, based on every storm in the 150-mile radius since 1851:
Peak months are August through October, when the Atlantic season is most active. June, July, and November are secondary risk months.
Prep your supplies before the storm is named
Our alerts can notify you of a storm long before it makes the news, giving you more time to get what you need — instead of joining the panic-buying public.
Sign Up FreeRecent notable storms (last 20 years)
Hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 200 miles in the last 20 years — these are the ones Virginia Beach residents likely remember:
| Storm | Year | Peak | Closest | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elsa | 2021 | Cat 1 | 79 mi | Jul 09, 2021 |
| Isaias | 2020 | Cat 1 | 74 mi | Aug 04, 2020 |
| Zeta | 2020 | Cat 3 | 138 mi | Oct 29, 2020 |
| Dorian | 2019 | Cat 5 | 116 mi | Sep 06, 2019 |
| Michael | 2018 | Cat 5 | 62 mi | Oct 12, 2018 |
| Florence | 2018 | Cat 4 | 196 mi | Sep 14, 2018 |
| Maria | 2017 | Cat 5 | 197 mi | Sep 27, 2017 |
| Hermine | 2016 | Cat 1 | 78 mi | Sep 03, 2016 |
| Matthew | 2016 | Cat 5 | 149 mi | Oct 09, 2016 |
| Arthur | 2014 | Cat 2 | 78 mi | Jul 04, 2014 |
| Sandy | 2012 | Cat 3 | 172 mi | Oct 29, 2012 |
| Irene | 2011 | Cat 3 | 19 mi | Aug 28, 2011 |
| Earl | 2010 | Cat 4 | 152 mi | Sep 03, 2010 |
| Hanna | 2008 | Cat 1 | 76 mi | Sep 06, 2008 |
| Andrea | 2007 | Cat 1 | 145 mi | May 06, 2007 |
| Ernesto | 2006 | Cat 1 | 59 mi | Sep 02, 2006 |
Preparedness
- Know your zone. Virginia Beach is in Virginia Beach County — look up your evacuation zone here.
- Get alerts early. Sign up below — we'll notify you when storms first form in the basin, not just when they're at your doorstep.
- Have 3+ days of supplies. Water (1 gal/person/day), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, cash.
- Have an evacuation plan. Know where you'll go, how you'll get there, what you'll bring.
- Follow official orders. If your zone is told to evacuate, leave. Don't wait.