The Central Virginia seismic zone produced the 2011 M5.8 Mineral earthquake, felt by more people than any other US quake in history. This page pulls real records for Virginia: the largest earthquakes on record from USGS, how often the ground shakes nearby, tsunamis from the NOAA database, and volcanoes from the Smithsonian program. Nothing is guessed.
A quiet recent record is good news, but many damaging earthquakes strike places that were quiet for decades. The only real protection is a warning the moment the ground moves - which is exactly what the free QuakeMate app gives you, along with tsunami and volcano alerts for Virginia.
Check Virginia hazard risk in detail
An interactive breakdown of the earthquake, tsunami and volcano risk in Virginia - or search any city or region.
Popular
Earthquake risk in Virginia - FAQ
Is Virginia at risk of earthquakes?
Yes. On average about 1 quake every 3 years nearby of magnitude 4+ within 300 km, based on the last 20 years of USGS data.
What was the biggest earthquake in Virginia?
We don't have a standout large earthquake on record close to Virginia in the modern catalog, though smaller quakes can still occur.
Does Virginia get tsunamis?
No tsunamis are recorded within 300 km of Virginia in the NOAA database - though coastal states can still be exposed after a very large offshore quake.
How do I get earthquake warnings in Virginia?
Download the free QuakeMate app for iPhone. It watches your location and sends a real-time push the instant a quake strikes nearby, plus tsunami and volcano alerts, with custom magnitude and distance rules. On Android, join the waitlist.