ODU study finds $15 billion in damage could occur if Category 3 storm hits Hampton Roads
A person stands at Llewellyn Ave. and Shirley Ave. at 5 p.m. after storms move through Norfolk, Va. on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. (Tess Crowley / The Virginian-Pilot)
It could cost Hampton Roads tens of billions if a Category 3 hurricane were to hit the region, according to a new study by professors at Old Dominion University.
Bob McNab, director of the Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy at ODU, said the team used Hurricane Florence to model scenarios for the region. Using a 3.6-foot tidal offset (meaning 3.6 feet in water rising from the median tide), potential damages across Hampton Roads were estimated at about $15.6 billion.
Researchers found that funding better flood infrastructure now is a better investment than paying to repair damages down the line.
“My worst-case scenario is Hampton Roads sees something happen like what happened to Homestead (Air Force Base),” McNab said. “Remember, there’s billions of dollars of military infrastructure, not including the defense industrial base, in the region.
Last modified: November 19, 2025
