Henrico County, Virginia
County storm and disaster record · FIPS 51087 · population 334,329 · 234 sq mi
NOAA's Storm Events Database holds 696 records for Henrico County, Virginia from 1950 through June 30, 2026, on 388 days; the most frequent are severe thunderstorm wind events (300 records). The deadliest single record is the September 18, 2003 tropical storm, filed for the forecast zone Henrico, which covers the county: 2 deaths and $14.4 million in damage in 2025 dollars. FEMA has issued 22 declarations naming the county since 1969, 20 of them for natural hazards; the latest for a natural hazard was “Severe Winter Storm” on January 23, 2026.
The record, 1950 to 2026
Storm records filed for the county each year (2026 to June 30, 2026). Before 1996 NOAA recorded only tornadoes (from 1950), thunderstorm wind and hail (from 1955).
- recorded, no damage figure
- under $100,000
- $100,000 or more
- $1 million or more
- $10 million or more, or a death
- $100 million or more, or 10 deaths
- a year's colour: its recorded damage or deaths
- a year with a death
- 1955: wind and hail recorded from 1955
- 1996: all 48 event types from 1996
- Storm records
- 696on 388 days, 1950 to June 30, 2026
- Deaths recorded
- 627 injuries
- Damage, 2025 dollars
- $36Mas filed (scale steps before 1993)
- Tornadoes
- 11strongest EF1
- FEMA declarations
- 22latest 2026
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records through June 30, 2026 (file revision 20260918); damage converted to 2025 dollars with the BLS CPI-U. Search the record at NCEI. BLS consumer price index.
What hazards hit Henrico County most?
The most frequent records are severe thunderstorm wind events: 300 since 1956. 57% of its severe thunderstorm wind events since 1956 fell in June and July. The rank column places the county among Virginia's counties by days with a record per 1,000 square miles of land over each hazard's complete period.
| Hazard | Records | Days | First, last | Killed | Injured | Damage | Rank in state |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severe thunderstorm wind | 300 | 170 | 1956-2026 | 2 | 21 | $1.9M | 3 of 96 |
| Winter storms | 115 | 96 | 1996-2025 | 0 | 2 | $318K | 18 of 96 |
| Hail | 105 | 57 | 1960-2024 | 0 | 0 | $25K | 3 of 96 |
| Floods | 67 | 42 | 1996-2026 | 2 | 1 | $4.2M | 19 of 96 |
| Heavy rain | 57 | 40 | 1998-2024 | 0 | 0 | – | 5 of 96 |
| Lightning | 12 | 11 | 1996-2025 | 0 | 3 | $1.4M | 4 of 96 |
| High wind and dust storms | 11 | 8 | 1996-2018 | 0 | 0 | $84K | 53 of 96 |
| Tornadoes | 11 | 10 | 1956-2010 | 0 | 0 | $9.5M | 14 of 96 |
| Extreme cold | 5 | 3 | 2003-2016 | 0 | 0 | – | 52 of 96 |
| Heat | 5 | 4 | 1996-2025 | 0 | 0 | – | 37 of 96 |
| Drought | 3 | 3 | 1998-2000 | 0 | 0 | $3.6M | 50 of 96 |
| Fog, smoke and funnel clouds | 3 | 3 | 2006-2022 | 0 | 0 | – | 29 of 96 |
| Hurricanes and tropical storms | 2 | 2 | 2003-2011 | 2 | 0 | $15M | 22 of 96 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database (county and forecast-zone records attributed to the county; a zone record shows its own totals on each county it covers). Days: dates with at least one record of the hazard in the county. Ranks: days with a record per 1,000 square miles of land (Census Bureau 2024 Gazetteer), since 1950 for tornadoes, 1955 for hail and thunderstorm wind, 1996 for the rest.
How many tornadoes has Henrico County had?
NOAA records 11 tornadoes in Henrico County from 1956 to 2010, the strongest rated EF1, with 0 deaths and 0 injuries recorded in the county. That is 14th of 96 Virginia counties by days with tornadoes per 1,000 square miles since 1950. A tornado that crossed a county line is counted in each county it touched, with the length of its path inside the county.
Counted as whole tornadoes rather than county records, the Storm Prediction Center's database holds 12 tornadoes whose track touched Henrico County since 1950 (NOAA's county records number 11: they file a crossing tornado once per county segment, and the two databases differ on some tracks); along their whole tracks they killed 0 people.
Map of the strongest tornado tracks in Virginia.
Every tornado record filed for Henrico County (11)
| Date | Place | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-10-27 | East Highland Park, Henrico County | EF1 2.77 mi x 200 yd | 0 | 0 | $677K |
| 2006-05-11 | Varina Grove, Henrico County | F1 0.3 mi x 200 yd | 0 | 0 | $22K |
| 2005-07-08 | Varina, Henrico County | F1 0.2 mi x 75 yd | 0 | 0 | $8K |
| 2004-09-17 | Short Pump, Henrico County | F0 0.5 mi x 150 yd | 0 | 0 | $23K |
| 2004-09-08 | Varina, Henrico County | F0 0.5 mi x 50 yd | 0 | 0 | $8K |
| 2003-09-23 | Lakeside, Henrico County | F1 3 mi x 100 yd | 0 | 0 | $40K |
| 2001-06-15 | Laurel, Henrico County | F0 1 mi x 25 yd | 0 | 0 | $8K |
| 1989-06-16 | Henrico County | F1 3 mi x 150 yd | 0 | 0 | $2.5M step |
| 1973-06-16 | Henrico County | F0 | 0 | 0 | $30 step |
| 1956-07-20 | Henrico County | F1 | 0 | 0 | $3K step |
| 1956-07-20 | Henrico County | F1 | 0 | 0 | $250K step |
A damage figure marked "step" is a record from before 1993: NOAA then filed damage by category, and the figure is the category as entered, in the dollars of that year, not an estimate of the loss.
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, tornado records by county (path length in the county, maximum width); ratings as published: F scale before February 1, 2007, EF scale after. Whole-track figures: NOAA Storm Prediction Center tornado database (1950-2025). SPC severe weather database.
When was the last damaging storm in Henrico County?
The most recent record with damage, injuries or deaths is the June 28, 2026 flash flood ($10,000 in damage in 2025 dollars).
| Date | Record | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-28 | Flash FloodHighland Spgs, Henrico County | 0 | 0 | $10K | |
| 2026-06-14 | Thunderstorm WindBeverly Hills, Henrico County | 50 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $1K |
| 2026-06-14 | Thunderstorm WindWhite Oak Swamp, Henrico County | 50 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $2K |
| 2026-06-14 | Thunderstorm WindBeverly Hills, Henrico County | 50 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $2K |
| 2026-06-14 | Thunderstorm WindQuioccasin, Henrico County | 50 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $2K |
| 2026-05-27 | Thunderstorm WindWest End Manor, Henrico County | 50 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $4K |
| 2026-03-16 | Thunderstorm WindWest End Manor, Henrico County | 50 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $3K |
| 2026-03-16 | Thunderstorm WindShort Pump, Henrico County | 50 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $1K |
| 2025-09-20 | Flash FloodShort Pump, Henrico County | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2025-09-20 | Flash FloodVarina Grove, Henrico County | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2025-07-27 | Thunderstorm WindChamberlayne Farms, Henrico County | 50 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $1K |
| 2025-07-27 | Thunderstorm WindBeverly Hills, Henrico County | 50 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $1K |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database; every record of 2025-2026 is listed, earlier ones when they caused deaths, injuries or $250,000 of damage (2025 dollars), and every tornado.
The deadliest and costliest records
| Date | Record | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003-09-18 | Tropical StormHenrico County and Richmond (city) · forecast zone Henrico Tropical Storm Isabel produced tropical storm force sustained winds and wind gusts over the piedmont of central and south central Virginia, as it crossed the Wakefield WFO county warning area. Isabel made landfall near Ocracoke Inlet in North Carolina, tracked northwest into central Virginia just west of Richmond, ... | 2 | 0 | $14M | |
| 1996-09-08 | FloodEast Highland Park, Henrico County Four inches of rain fell within five hours in eastern Henrico county causing flooding of roadways and poor drainage areas. This heavy rainfall combined with a 5-foot-deep drainage ditch filled with water contributed to the death and injury of two Richmond sisters. Near the intersection of Yeadon Road and Barrington ... | 1 | 1 | $9K | |
| 2024-08-18 | Thunderstorm WindQuioccasin, Henrico County Law enforcement reported that a tree fell on a car, resulting in a fatality. This was confirmed by broadcast media from Henrico Police and Fire. | 50 kt wind | 1 | 0 | $4K |
| 2017-05-05 | Thunderstorm WindHighland Spgs, Henrico County Large tree limb was downed onto a vehicle on Confederate Run Court. | 50 kt wind | 1 | 0 | $12K |
| 2004-08-30 | Flash FloodCountywide, Henrico County Rainfall amounts between 5 and 10 inches resulted in numerous road closures due to flooding. | 1 | 0 | $3.1M | |
| 1989-09-23 | Thunderstorm WindHenrico County | 0 | 14 | – | |
| 2001-07-22 | Thunderstorm WindShort Pump, Henrico County A dust devil occurred in a store parking lot on West Broad Street. Flying debris caused 4 minor injuries and damage to cars and property. | 0 | 4 | $17K | |
| 2015-05-06 | LightningShort Pump, Henrico County Two adults were struck by lightning and injured at Pocahontas Middle School. | 0 | 2 | – |
| Date | Record | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003-09-18 | Tropical StormHenrico County and Richmond (city) · forecast zone Henrico | 2 | 0 | $14M | |
| 1999-09-16 | Flash FloodCountywide, Henrico County | 0 | 0 | $1.1M | |
| 1996-06-24 | LightningGlen Allen, Henrico County | 0 | 0 | $941K | |
| 2011-08-27 | Tropical StormHenrico County and Richmond (city) · forecast zone Henrico | 0 | 0 | $773K | |
| 2010-10-27 | TornadoEast Highland Park, Henrico County | EF1 2.77 mi x 200 yd | 0 | 0 | $677K |
| 2012-06-29 | Thunderstorm WindShort Pump, Henrico County | 52 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $540K |
| 2000-01-30 | Ice StormHenrico County and Richmond (city) · forecast zone Henrico | 0 | 2 | $86K | |
| 2004-09-17 | TornadoShort Pump, Henrico County | F0 0.5 mi x 150 yd | 0 | 0 | $23K |
Before 1993 NOAA filed damage by category, not amount, so the list above starts in 1993. The highest category filed here before then (entered as $2.5M, in the dollars of the day) holds: June 16, 1989 (tornado, Henrico County).
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database: deaths and injuries direct and indirect; damage is property plus crops as estimated by the National Weather Service, converted to 2025 dollars.
Is it getting more frequent?
Records per decade for Henrico County's most frequent hazards. Counts rose everywhere after 1996, when NOAA began recording every event type, so compare decades within a hazard's complete period only (the shaded cells come before it).
| Hazard | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | 2020-26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severe thunderstorm wind | 3 | 10 | 10 | 21 | 35 | 46 | 92 | 83 |
| Winter storms | – | – | – | – | 7 | 36 | 51 | 21 |
| Hail | 0 | 4 | 1 | 9 | 12 | 31 | 31 | 17 |
| Floods | – | – | – | – | 4 | 7 | 26 | 30 |
| Heavy rain | – | – | – | – | 3 | 4 | 35 | 15 |
| Lightning | – | – | – | – | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records per calendar decade; zone records from the CZ_TYPE field (Z).
What time of year?
57% of its severe thunderstorm wind events since 1956 fell in June and July. The two busiest months are in violet.
The values, month by month
Jan 53 · Feb 45 · Mar 47 · Apr 31 · May 82 · Jun 149 · Jul 129 · Aug 73 · Sep 38 · Oct 18 · Nov 8 · Dec 23 (records).
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records by the month they began.
Federal disaster declarations for Henrico County
FEMA's register lists 22 declarations that include Henrico County: 14 major disasters, 8 emergencies and 0 fire management assistance declarations. Most were for hurricane (9) and snowstorm (4).
| Declared | Number | Type | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-23 | EM-3631 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| 2020-04-02 | DR-4512 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| 2020-03-13 | EM-3448 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| 2018-09-11 | EM-3403 | Hurricane | Hurricane Florence |
| 2016-03-07 | DR-4262 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| 2012-10-29 | EM-3359 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| 2011-09-03 | DR-4024 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| 2011-08-26 | EM-3329 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| 2005-09-12 | EM-3240 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| 2004-09-03 | DR-1544 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes Associated W Td Gaston |
| 2003-09-18 | DR-1491 | Hurricane | Hurricane Isabel |
| 2000-02-28 | DR-1318 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| 1999-09-18 | DR-1293 | Hurricane | Hurricane Floyd Major Disaster Declarations |
| 1996-09-06 | DR-1135 | Hurricane | Hurricane Fran and Associated Severe Storm Cond |
| 1996-01-13 | DR-1086 | Snowstorm | Blizzard of 96 (Severe Snow Storm) |
| 1994-03-10 | DR-1014 | Snowstorm | Severe Ice Storms, Flooding |
| 1993-03-25 | EM-3112 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm |
| 1985-11-09 | DR-755 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| 1977-07-23 | EM-3046 | Drought | Drought |
| 1977-01-26 | DR-525 | Freezing | Ice Conditions |
| 1972-06-23 | DR-339 | Flood | Tropical Storm Agnes |
| 1969-08-23 | DR-274 | Hurricane | Severe Storms & Flooding |
Source: FEMA OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (v2), declarations through October 2, 2026; one declaration is counted once however many areas it names. OpenFEMA dataset page.
How many floods has Henrico County had?
NOAA's Storm Events Database holds 67 flood or flash flood records for Henrico County from 1996 to 2026, on 42 days, with 2 deaths. By flood insurance claims since 1978 (OpenFEMA, as of September 8, 2026), Henrico County ranks 661st of 2,942 U.S. counties.
| Storm | Began | Records | Deaths in the county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Isabel | 2003-09-18 | 1 | 2 |
| Hurricane Fran | 1996-09-08 | 1 | 1 |
| Hurricane Irene | 2011-08-27 | 1 | 0 |
| Hurricane Floyd | 1999-09-16 | 1 | 0 |
The National Flood Insurance Program has paid $4.2 million on 357 claims filed in Henrico County; the most in one year was 52 in 1985. Claims count insured losses only: uninsured flood damage is not in this file.
The values, year by year
1978: 9 · 1979: 21 · 1980: 5 · 1982: 3 · 1983: 1 · 1985: 52 · 1987: 20 · 1989: 1 · 1990: 3 · 1991: 3 · 1992: 7 · 1993: 4 · 1994: 4 · 1995: 1 · 1996: 24 · 1997: 1 · 1998: 11 · 1999: 1 · 2000: 2 · 2001: 1 · 2002: 1 · 2003: 28 · 2004: 52 · 2005: 1 · 2006: 17 · 2008: 2 · 2009: 2 · 2010: 4 · 2011: 5 · 2013: 1 · 2014: 1 · 2015: 1 · 2016: 4 · 2017: 8 · 2018: 30 · 2019: 7 · 2020: 10 · 2021: 4 · 2022: 1 · 2023: 1 · 2024: 2 · 2026: 1; the other years: 0.
Source: FEMA OpenFEMA NFIP Redacted Claims, as of September 8, 2026; claims by year of loss, payments in the dollars of the year paid. OpenFEMA dataset page.
FEMA's modeled risk for Henrico County
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Henrico County Relatively Moderate overall, with an expected annual loss of $57.8 million. These are FEMA's model estimates of future loss from 18 hazards, not a count of what happened; they can differ from the record above.
| Hazard | Risk rating | Expected annual loss | Modeled frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightning | Relatively High | $1.3M | 43 a year (modeled) |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High | $436K | 5.1 a year (modeled) |
| Ice Storm | Relatively High | $660K | 1.2 a year (modeled) |
| Earthquake | Relatively Moderate | $11M | once in about 405 years (modeled) |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Moderate | $2.9M | 5.3 modeled event-days a year |
| Riverine Flooding | Relatively Moderate | $31M | about once a year (modeled) |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate | $1.6M | 1.7 a year (modeled) |
| Hurricane | Relatively Moderate | $2.8M | once in about 8 years (modeled) |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index, county table, December 2025 release. FEMA's National Risk Index map.
Counties that share a border with Henrico County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau county adjacency file; NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records since 1950. The Census Bureau's adjacency file.
Next
- Tornadoes in VirginiaEvery Virginia tornado since 1950 and the counties with the most per square mile
- Severe thunderstorm wind in VirginiaThe state's severe thunderstorm wind events, by county, year and month
- The Virginia recordEvery hazard in the state, its deadliest events and its federal declarations
- FEMA's risk rating for each hazard in Henrico CountyThe hazard risk calculator: 18 hazards beside the county's record
- Download Henrico County's FEMA declarations (CSV)22 rows: every declaration that named the county, for your own analysis