Sussex County, Virginia
County storm and disaster record · FIPS 51183 · population 10,829 · 490 sq mi
NOAA's Storm Events Database holds 330 records for Sussex County, Virginia from 1950 through June 30, 2026, on 244 days; the most frequent are severe thunderstorm wind events (134 records). The deadliest single record is the February 24, 2016 tornado: 3 deaths, 8 injuries and $3.2 million in damage in 2025 dollars. FEMA has issued 18 declarations naming the county since 1972, 16 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
- 330on 244 days, 1950 to June 30, 2026
- Deaths recorded
- 411 injuries
- Damage, 2025 dollars
- $18Mas filed (scale steps before 1993)
- Tornadoes
- 10strongest F3
- FEMA declarations
- 18latest 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 Sussex County most?
The most frequent records are severe thunderstorm wind events: 134 since 1974. 52% of its severe thunderstorm wind events since 1974 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 | 134 | 91 | 1974-2026 | 0 | 0 | $416K | 85 of 96 |
| Winter storms | 66 | 66 | 1996-2025 | 0 | 0 | $61K | 84 of 96 |
| Floods | 41 | 24 | 1999-2025 | 0 | 0 | $10.0M | 80 of 96 |
| Heavy rain | 41 | 38 | 1998-2024 | 0 | 0 | – | 24 of 96 |
| Hail | 21 | 16 | 1974-2025 | 0 | 0 | $36K | 96 of 96 |
| Tornadoes | 10 | 10 | 1975-2019 | 3 | 11 | $6.2M | 44 of 96 |
| Heat | 5 | 5 | 1996-2025 | 0 | 0 | – | 56 of 96 |
| High wind and dust storms | 4 | 4 | 1999-2008 | 1 | 0 | $14K | 83 of 96 |
| Extreme cold | 3 | 3 | 2003-2016 | 0 | 0 | – | 85 of 96 |
| Hurricanes and tropical storms | 3 | 3 | 1996-2011 | 0 | 0 | $1.5M | 33 of 96 |
| Rip currents and high surf | 1 | 1 | 2025-2025 | 0 | 0 | $1K | 7 of 96 |
| Fog, smoke and funnel clouds | 1 | 1 | 2022-2022 | 0 | 0 | – | 62 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 Sussex County had?
NOAA records 10 tornadoes in Sussex County from 1975 to 2019, the strongest rated F3, with 3 deaths and 11 injuries recorded in the county. That is 44th 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 10 tornadoes whose track touched Sussex County since 1950 (NOAA's county records number 10, the same count); along their whole tracks they killed 3 people.
| Date | Tornado | Rating | Path | Killed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-02-24 13:31, as SPC files it | Waverly | EF1 | 8.86 mi | 3 |
| 1978-04-19 18:15, as SPC files it | Waverly | F3 | 35.6 mi | 0 |
Map of the strongest tornado tracks in Virginia.
Every tornado record filed for Sussex County (10)
| Date | Place | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-04-19 | West Hope, Sussex County | EF0 17.7 mi x 100 yd | 0 | 0 | $17K |
| 2016-02-24 | Newville, Sussex County | EF1 6.19 mi x 300 yd | 3 | 8 | $3.2M |
| 2014-05-22 | Waverly, Sussex County | EF0 1.38 mi x 100 yd | 0 | 0 | $31K |
| 2008-09-26 | Waverly, Sussex County | EF0 0.1 mi x 20 yd | 0 | 0 | $3K |
| 2006-01-11 | Booker, Sussex County | F1 3.5 mi x 200 yd | 0 | 0 | $29K |
| 2003-05-09 | Jarratt, Sussex County | F0 4 mi x 100 yd | 0 | 0 | $8K |
| 1993-08-06 | Sussex To 2 E, Sussex County | F1 14 mi x 100 yd | 0 | 0 | $1.0M |
| 1986-10-14 | Sussex County | F2 2.1 mi x 450 yd | 0 | 0 | $250K step |
| 1978-04-19 | Sussex County | F3 32 mi x 100 yd | 0 | 3 | $250K step |
| 1975-07-13 | Sussex County | 0 | 0 | $25K 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 Sussex County?
The most recent record with damage, injuries or deaths is the June 22, 2026 thunderstorm wind.
| Date | Record | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-22 | Thunderstorm WindWaverly, Sussex County | 50 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $500 |
| 2026-06-22 | Thunderstorm WindWakefield Airport, Sussex County | 50 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $10K |
| 2026-06-22 | Thunderstorm WindWakefield, Sussex County | 50 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $1K |
| 2026-06-22 | Thunderstorm WindNewville, Sussex County | 50 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $10K |
| 2026-06-22 | Thunderstorm WindStony Creek, Sussex County | 50 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $10K |
| 2025-09-27 | Flash FloodWaverly, Sussex County | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2025-09-27 | Flash FloodNewville, Sussex County | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2025-09-27 | Flash FloodWaverly, Sussex County | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2025-08-14 | Flash FloodWakefield Airport, Sussex County | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2025-08-14 | Flash FloodWakefield, Sussex County | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2025-07-27 | Excessive HeatSussex County · forecast zone Sussex | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2025-07-18 | Thunderstorm WindNewville, Sussex County | 50 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $500 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-02-24 | TornadoNewville, Sussex County NWS storm survey concluded that an EF1 tornado occurred near Waverly. The tornado began a few miles south southwest of Waverly, moved fast through the town of Waverly, then ended about five miles north northeast of Waverly in Surry county. Maximum winds were between 100 and 110 mph. Numerous trees were downed, with ... | EF1 6.19 mi x 300 yd | 3 | 8 | $3.2M |
| 2008-12-31 | Strong WindSussex County · forecast zone Sussex Wind gust of 33 knots (38 mph) was measured at AKQ. Few trees were downed. Gusty winds caused a tree to fall onto passenger side of a vehicle on Highway 35 near Newville Road, resulting in one fatality and one injury. The fatality was a 52 year old female. A male driver was injured. | 33 kt wind | 1 | 0 | $3K |
| 1978-04-19 | TornadoSussex County | F3 32 mi x 100 yd | 0 | 3 | $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.
| Date | Record | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999-09-16 | Flash FloodCountywide, Sussex County | 0 | 0 | $9.6M | |
| 2016-02-24 | TornadoNewville, Sussex County | EF1 6.19 mi x 300 yd | 3 | 8 | $3.2M |
| 2011-08-27 | Tropical StormSussex County · forecast zone Sussex | 0 | 0 | $1.5M | |
| 2006-01-11 | TornadoBooker, Sussex County | F1 3.5 mi x 200 yd | 0 | 0 | $29K |
| 2003-05-09 | HailJarratt, Sussex County | 4.25 in hail | 0 | 0 | $24K |
| 2025-07-08 | Thunderstorm WindSussex County | 50 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $21K |
| 2019-04-19 | TornadoWest Hope, Sussex County | EF0 17.7 mi x 100 yd | 0 | 0 | $17K |
| 2026-06-22 | Thunderstorm WindWakefield Airport, Sussex County | 50 kt wind | 0 | 0 | $10K |
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 $250K, in the dollars of the day) holds: April 19, 1978 (tornado, Sussex County); October 14, 1986 (tornado, Sussex 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 Sussex 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 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 29 | 18 | 40 | 41 |
| Winter storms | – | – | – | – | 5 | 24 | 28 | 9 |
| Floods | – | – | – | – | 1 | 12 | 5 | 23 |
| Heavy rain | – | – | – | – | 3 | 6 | 18 | 14 |
| Hail | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 1 |
| Tornadoes | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records per calendar decade; zone records from the CZ_TYPE field (Z).
What time of year?
52% of its severe thunderstorm wind events since 1974 fell in June and July. The two busiest months are in violet.
The values, month by month
Jan 38 · Feb 24 · Mar 16 · Apr 12 · May 42 · Jun 44 · Jul 62 · Aug 28 · Sep 33 · Oct 13 · Nov 6 · Dec 12 (records).
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records by the month they began.
Federal disaster declarations for Sussex County
FEMA's register lists 18 declarations that include Sussex County: 9 major disasters, 9 emergencies and 0 fire management assistance declarations. Most were for hurricane (8) and snowstorm (3).
| 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 |
| 2012-10-29 | EM-3359 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| 2011-09-03 | DR-4024 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| 2011-08-26 | EM-3329 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| 2006-09-22 | DR-1661 | Severe Storm | Tropical Depression Ernesto, Severe Storms and Flooding |
| 2005-09-12 | EM-3240 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| 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 |
| 1999-09-16 | EM-3147 | Hurricane | Hurricane Floyd Emergency Declarations |
| 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 |
| 1977-07-23 | EM-3046 | Drought | Drought |
| 1972-10-10 | DR-359 | Flood | 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 Sussex County had?
NOAA's Storm Events Database holds 41 flood or flash flood records for Sussex County from 1999 to 2025, on 24 days, with 0 deaths. By flood insurance claims since 1978 (OpenFEMA, as of September 8, 2026), Sussex County ranks 1851st of 2,942 U.S. counties.
| Storm | Began | Records | Deaths in the county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Irene | 2011-08-27 | 1 | 0 |
| Hurricane Floyd | 1999-09-16 | 1 | 0 |
The National Flood Insurance Program has paid $144,000 on 34 claims filed in Sussex County; the most in one year was 16 in 1999. Claims count insured losses only: uninsured flood damage is not in this file.
The values, year by year
1999: 16 · 2003: 15 · 2006: 1 · 2009: 1 · 2024: 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 Sussex County
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Sussex County Very Low overall, with an expected annual loss of $4.1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drought | Relatively Moderate | $1.1M | 5.8 modeled event-days a year |
| Hurricane | Relatively Low | $585K | once in about 5 years (modeled) |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low | $27K | 4.6 a year (modeled) |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low | $22K | 1.2 a year (modeled) |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low | $141K | once in about 2 years (modeled) |
| Earthquake | Very Low | $141K | once in about 686 years (modeled) |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | $119K | 6.3 modeled event-days a year |
| Hail | Very Low | $68K | 2.5 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 Sussex 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 Sussex CountyThe hazard risk calculator: 18 hazards beside the county's record
- Download Sussex County's FEMA declarations (CSV)18 rows: every declaration that named the county, for your own analysis