Pulaski County, Virginia
County storm and disaster record · FIPS 51155 · population 33,795 · 320 sq mi
NOAA's Storm Events Database holds 472 records for Pulaski County, Virginia from 1950 through June 30, 2026, on 316 days; the most frequent are severe thunderstorm wind events (152 records). The deadliest single record is the January 12, 2019 winter storm, filed for the forecast zone Pulaski, which covers the county: 1 death, 2 injuries and $87,000 in damage in 2025 dollars. FEMA has issued 22 declarations naming the county since 1972, 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
- 472on 316 days, 1950 to June 30, 2026
- Deaths recorded
- 212 injuries
- Damage, 2025 dollars
- $39Mas filed (scale steps before 1993)
- Tornadoes
- 4strongest EF2
- 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 Pulaski County most?
The most frequent records are severe thunderstorm wind events: 152 since 1965. 60% of its severe thunderstorm wind events since 1965 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 | 152 | 105 | 1965-2026 | 0 | 1 | $1.3M | 41 of 96 |
| Hail | 97 | 59 | 1984-2022 | 0 | 0 | $19K | 10 of 96 |
| Floods | 79 | 48 | 1996-2026 | 0 | 0 | $14M | 31 of 96 |
| Winter storms | 68 | 67 | 1996-2026 | 1 | 2 | $159K | 56 of 96 |
| High wind and dust storms | 36 | 35 | 1998-2025 | 0 | 0 | $909K | 13 of 96 |
| Drought | 18 | 18 | 1998-2026 | 0 | 0 | $15M | 6 of 96 |
| Extreme cold | 7 | 7 | 1996-2015 | 1 | 0 | $27K | 29 of 96 |
| Lightning | 5 | 5 | 1996-2014 | 0 | 0 | $135K | 22 of 96 |
| Heavy rain | 4 | 4 | 2018-2020 | 0 | 0 | – | 79 of 96 |
| Tornadoes | 4 | 3 | 2011-2019 | 0 | 9 | $7.8M | 71 of 96 |
| Hurricanes and tropical storms | 1 | 1 | 2003-2003 | 0 | 0 | – | 56 of 96 |
| Landslides and avalanches | 1 | 1 | 2023-2023 | 0 | 0 | $1K | 8 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 Pulaski County had?
NOAA records 4 tornadoes in Pulaski County from 2011 to 2019, the strongest rated EF2, with 0 deaths and 9 injuries recorded in the county. 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 4 tornadoes whose track touched Pulaski County since 1950 (NOAA's county records number 4, the same count); along their whole tracks they killed 0 people.
Map of the strongest tornado tracks in Virginia.
Every tornado record filed for Pulaski County (4)
| Date | Place | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-08-09 | Wurno, Pulaski County | EF1 0.25 mi x 50 yd | 0 | 0 | $231K |
| 2017-10-23 | Cowan, Pulaski County | EF1 1.34 mi x 300 yd | 0 | 0 | $602K |
| 2011-04-08 | Draper, Pulaski County | EF1 3.14 mi x 480 yd | 0 | 0 | $1.8M |
| 2011-04-08 | Pulaski County | EF2 1.9 mi x 400 yd | 0 | 9 | $5.1M |
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 Pulaski County?
The most recent record with damage, injuries or deaths is the June 12, 2026 thunderstorm wind ($5,000 in damage in 2025 dollars).
| Date | Record | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-12 | Thunderstorm WindDraper, Pulaski County | 55 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $5K |
| 2026-06-12 | Thunderstorm WindDora, Pulaski County | 55 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $4K |
| 2026-06-01 | DroughtPulaski County and Radford (city) · forecast zone Pulaski | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2026-05-26 | Flash FloodMack Creek Vlg, Pulaski County | 0 | 0 | $20K | |
| 2026-05-01 | DroughtPulaski County and Radford (city) · forecast zone Pulaski | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2026-04-21 | DroughtPulaski County and Radford (city) · forecast zone Pulaski | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2026-01-30 | Winter StormPulaski County and Radford (city) · forecast zone Pulaski | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2026-01-24 | Winter StormPulaski County and Radford (city) · forecast zone Pulaski | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2025-07-19 | Flash FloodHighland, Pulaski County | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2025-07-15 | Thunderstorm WindAllisonia, Pulaski County | 55 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $7K |
| 2025-03-16 | Thunderstorm WindWurno, Pulaski County | 50 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $2K |
| 2025-03-05 | Thunderstorm WindSimpkinstown, Pulaski County | 55 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $10K |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-01-12 | Winter StormPulaski County · forecast zone Pulaski A winter storm brought mainly freezing rain conditions, where ice accumulations ranged from 0.2 to 0.3 inches thick across most of the county. Snow was also observed, with accumulations reaching nearly an inch. The icy conditions resulted in an auto accident on Interstate 81 southbound, not far from the intersection ... | 1 | 2 | $87K | |
| 2007-04-07 | Cold/Wind ChillPulaski County · forecast zone Pulaski A woman lost control of her vehicle on black ice. The vehicle struck an embankment and overturned. The lone occupant died in the accident. | 1 | 0 | $21K | |
| 2011-04-08 | TornadoPulaski County The tornado touched down along Mount Olivet Road and traveled southeast, with the most significant damage along Pulaski Street, Valley Road, and Maple Street. Several roofs were torn off homes, top floors of a couple homes were completely destroyed, a couple homes were knocked off their foundations, and numerous large ... | EF2 1.9 mi x 400 yd | 0 | 9 | $5.1M |
| 2021-06-13 | Thunderstorm WindDublin, Pulaski County A line of thunderstorms with damaging winds knocked numerous trees down in the county. One of these trees fell in front of a motorist on Old Giles Road in Dublin, causing them to crash into it, resulting in an indirect injury. | 60 kt wind | 0 | 1 | $13K |
| Date | Record | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-09-26 | FloodAllisonia, Pulaski County | 0 | 0 | $6.6M | |
| 2024-09-27 | FloodDraper, Pulaski County | 0 | 0 | $6.6M | |
| 2011-04-08 | TornadoPulaski County | EF2 1.9 mi x 400 yd | 0 | 9 | $5.1M |
| 2011-04-08 | TornadoDraper, Pulaski County | EF1 3.14 mi x 480 yd | 0 | 0 | $1.8M |
| 2024-09-27 | High WindPulaski County and Radford (city) · forecast zone Pulaski | 55 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $602K |
| 2017-10-23 | TornadoCowan, Pulaski County | EF1 1.34 mi x 300 yd | 0 | 0 | $602K |
| 2012-06-29 | Thunderstorm WindMt Olivet, Pulaski County | 65 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $578K |
| 2020-04-13 | Flash FloodPulaski County | 0 | 0 | $356K |
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 Pulaski 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 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 15 | 47 | 50 | 30 |
| Hail | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 23 | 38 | 30 | 4 |
| Floods | – | – | – | – | 8 | 24 | 32 | 15 |
| Winter storms | – | – | – | – | 15 | 16 | 25 | 12 |
| High wind and dust storms | – | – | – | – | 2 | 19 | 10 | 5 |
| Drought | – | – | – | – | 6 | 6 | 1 | 5 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records per calendar decade; zone records from the CZ_TYPE field (Z).
What time of year?
60% of its severe thunderstorm wind events since 1965 fell in June and July. The two busiest months are in violet.
The values, month by month
Jan 38 · Feb 41 · Mar 37 · Apr 33 · May 66 · Jun 81 · Jul 69 · Aug 40 · Sep 17 · Oct 16 · Nov 11 · Dec 23 (records).
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records by the month they began.
Federal disaster declarations for Pulaski County
FEMA's register lists 22 declarations that include Pulaski County: 15 major disasters, 7 emergencies and 0 fire management assistance declarations. Most were for severe storm (5) and flood (5).
| Declared | Number | Type | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-23 | EM-3631 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| 2025-04-04 | DR-4863 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Flooding |
| 2024-10-01 | DR-4831 | Tropical Storm | Tropical Storm Helene |
| 2024-09-29 | EM-3621 | Tropical Storm | Post-Tropical Cyclone Helene |
| 2020-04-02 | DR-4512 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| 2020-03-13 | EM-3448 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| 2018-10-15 | DR-4401 | Hurricane | Hurricane Florence |
| 2018-09-11 | EM-3403 | Hurricane | Hurricane Florence |
| 2012-10-29 | EM-3359 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| 2012-07-27 | DR-4072 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds |
| 2005-09-12 | EM-3240 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| 2003-03-27 | DR-1458 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm, Record/Near Record Snowfall, Heavy Rain,Floodind, and Mudslide |
| 2000-02-28 | DR-1318 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| 1996-01-27 | DR-1098 | Flood | Flooding, High Winds, and Wind Driven Rain |
| 1996-01-13 | DR-1086 | Snowstorm | Blizzard of 96 (Severe Snow Storm) |
| 1994-04-11 | DR-1021 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Ice Storm |
| 1994-03-10 | DR-1014 | Snowstorm | Severe Ice Storms, Flooding |
| 1993-03-25 | EM-3112 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm |
| 1992-05-19 | DR-944 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| 1977-11-12 | DR-543 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| 1977-04-07 | DR-530 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| 1972-06-23 | DR-339 | Flood | Tropical Storm Agnes |
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 Pulaski County had?
NOAA's Storm Events Database holds 79 flood or flash flood records for Pulaski County from 1996 to 2026, on 48 days, with 0 deaths. By flood insurance claims since 1978 (OpenFEMA, as of September 8, 2026), Pulaski County ranks 1311th of 2,942 U.S. counties.
| Storm | Began | Records | Deaths in the county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical Storm Helene | 2024-09-26 | 2 | 0 |
The National Flood Insurance Program has paid $2.7 million on 99 claims filed in Pulaski County; the most in one year was 25 in 2024. Claims count insured losses only: uninsured flood damage is not in this file.
The values, year by year
1979: 1 · 1989: 5 · 1990: 2 · 1992: 6 · 1993: 5 · 1994: 1 · 1995: 10 · 1996: 7 · 1997: 1 · 1998: 1 · 2003: 3 · 2009: 1 · 2010: 5 · 2013: 4 · 2015: 6 · 2016: 1 · 2017: 1 · 2018: 6 · 2020: 8 · 2024: 25; 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 Pulaski County
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Pulaski County Relatively Low overall, with an expected annual loss of $11.3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate | $33K | about once a year (modeled) |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate | $370K | 2.3 modeled event-days a year |
| Earthquake | Relatively Low | $549K | once in about 567 years (modeled) |
| Riverine Flooding | Relatively Low | $8.6M | 1.5 a year (modeled) |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low | $918K | 3.9 a year (modeled) |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low | $44K | 10 a year (modeled) |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low | $369K | 2.7 a year (modeled) |
| Lightning | Relatively Low | $108K | 45 a year (modeled) |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index, county table, December 2025 release. FEMA's National Risk Index map.
Counties that share a border with Pulaski 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 Pulaski CountyThe hazard risk calculator: 18 hazards beside the county's record
- Download Pulaski County's FEMA declarations (CSV)22 rows: every declaration that named the county, for your own analysis