Natural Disasters in Galax, VA
Hazard risk, disaster history, and FEMA data
Natural Hazard Risk
Source: FEMA National Risk IndexRisk Score
6.8
Very Low
Expected Annual Loss
4.2
Score (0-100)
Social Vulnerability
76.1
Score (0-100)
Community Resilience
47.7
Score (0-100)
Top Hazard Risks
| Hazard | Risk Score |
|---|---|
| Cold Wave | 61.2 |
| Hurricane | 46.2 |
| Landslide | 38.2 |
| Earthquake | 34.5 |
| Ice Storm | 30.9 |
| Wildfire | 23.7 |
| Strong Wind | 19.2 |
| Tornado | 13.7 |
| Winter Weather | 13.3 |
| Lightning | 11.8 |
| Hail | 8.3 |
Scores range from 0 (lowest risk) to 100 (highest risk) relative to all U.S. communities. Data from FEMA National Risk Index.
Disaster Declarations
Source: FEMA OpenFEMATotal Declarations
16
Most Recent
Winter Storm
Jan 2026
Most Common Type
Hurricane
4 declarations
| Date | Type | Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 23, 2026 | Winter Storm | SEVERE WINTER STORM |
| Oct 1, 2024 | Tropical Storm | TROPICAL STORM HELENE |
| Sep 29, 2024 | Tropical Storm | POST-TROPICAL CYCLONE HELENE |
| Apr 2, 2020 | Biological | COVID-19 PANDEMIC |
| Mar 13, 2020 | Biological | COVID-19 |
| Dec 18, 2018 | Hurricane | TROPICAL STORM MICHAEL |
| Sep 11, 2018 | Hurricane | HURRICANE FLORENCE |
| Oct 29, 2012 | Hurricane | HURRICANE SANDY |
| Feb 16, 2010 | Snowstorm | SEVERE WINTER STORM AND SNOWSTORM |
| Jul 13, 2006 | Severe Storm | SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING |
| Sep 12, 2005 | Hurricane | HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION |
| Dec 9, 2003 | Severe Storm | SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING |
| Jan 13, 1996 | Snowstorm | BLIZZARD OF 96 (SEVERE SNOW STORM) |
| Mar 10, 1994 | Snowstorm | SEVERE ICE STORMS, FLOODING |
| Mar 25, 1993 | Snowstorm | SEVERE WINTER STORM |
| Jun 23, 1972 | Flood | TROPICAL STORM AGNES |
Individual Assistance
Source: FEMA Housing AssistanceTotal IA Registrations
1,416
Total IA Distributed
$2,121,024
Repair/Replace
$773,186
Rental Assistance
$48,778
| Disaster | Registrations | Total IA $ | Avg Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| DR-4831 | 1,211 | $1,448,100 | $1,322 |
| DR-4512 | 77 | $447,500 | — |
| DR-4827 | 101 | $198,127 | $1,853 |
| DR-1502 | 27 | $27,298 | $1,214 |
Individual and household assistance for homeowners and renters affected by federally declared disasters.
Flood Insurance (NFIP)
Source: FEMA NFIPTotal Claims
2
Total Claims Paid
$3,227
Avg Claim Payout
$1,614
County-level NFIP data from FEMA National Flood Insurance Program.
Galax has a very low overall natural hazard risk rating according to FEMA's National Risk Index. The top hazard risks are cold wave, hurricane, landslide. The area has had 16 federal disaster declarations. The most common disaster type is hurricane (4 declarations). 2 flood insurance claims have been filed in the area. $2,121,024 has been distributed in individual assistance to disaster-affected residents.