In Hampton Roads, the need for flood insurance is on the rise. Just like the rainwater. Find out if you need flood insurance: https://getfloodfluent.org
05/16/2025
This is a great feature on why some areas are more likely to flood. Knowing your flood risk is the first step to protecting your home from damaging floods.
HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) – Hampton Roads is home to some of the most flood prone areas on the east coast as our area experiences everything from storm surge flooding during tropical systems …
05/13/2025
A Flood Watch is in effect through tonight for Hampton Roads.
Days like today are the perfect reminder that in Hampton Roads, flooding isn't just from hurricanes and nor'easters. It's just an every day reality.
05/06/2025
Do you know your flood risk?
The first step of preparing for hurricanes is to know your risk. Find out today what types of water and wind hazards could happen where you live. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Impacts from wind and water can be felt hundreds of miles inland, and significant impacts can occur regardless of the storm’s strength. Know if you live in an area prone to flooding, if you live in an evacuation zone, and identify any structural weaknesses in your home.
noaa.gov/know-your-risk-water-wind
12/17/2024
There are a lot of challenges right now with flood insurance, like climate change expanding the bounds of risk and not enough money to cover it.
But local officials also see opportunities. Last year, the Norfolk nonprofit RISE Resilience Innovations gave out money to four startups working on flood insurance solutions. WHRO News checked in to explore their progress.
Great winterizing tips from our friends at askhrgreen.org on how to protect your household pipes from freezing during this weekend's artic blast. 🌬
Brrrr...looks like winter is arriving early this year! 🥶 Hampton Roads is expecting temperatures to dip into the 20s this weekend. Take time this week to disconnect and store your rain barrel and outdoor garden hoses and insulate any exposed pipes. Insulating exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas of your home, can prevent pipes from freezing during cold weather.
Virginia’s peak for Tropical Storm Activity happens in October and early November and the tropics have surely been spinning this fall! Act now to purchase or refresh emergency essentials like bottled water, batteries, non-perishable foods, and flash lights. And of course, make sure you have a flood insurance policy to protect your home and property.
The Virginia Department of Health is reminding people to prepare for storms head of the season's peak in October and November.
09/26/2024
The king tides will bring high water to Hampton Roads next month and local organizations want your help in mapping it throughout the region.
09/25/2024
Heavy rainfall events are becoming a top cause of flooding but those risks aren't captured by your typical flood zone map. Flood insurance is for EVERYONE because anywhere it can rain, it can flood.
Extreme rainfall across the country is changing where and how many communities flood. Many areas that never flooded before are seeing devastating effects.
08/08/2024
Your personal vehicle is most likely not a submarine, so don’t even think about driving it through flood waters. Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. To put it simply — Turn Around, Don’t Drown! 🚙🌊
Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.
Determine how best to protect yourself based on the type of flooding.
08/07/2024
You can help reduce localized flooding in your neighborhood by clearing your yard of anything that might float away and clog up the stormwater system. There's lots of rain on the way. Stay flood fluent, Hampton Roads!
Weather impacts are expected to hit our area over the next few days.
08/02/2024
The sales tax holiday is underway! Make sure to freshen up your hurricane and emergency supplies. Eligible items include:
Portable generators - $1,000 or less per item
Gas-powered chainsaws - $350 or less per item
Chainsaw accessories - $60 or less per item
Miscellaneous hurricane preparedness items (batteries, first aid kits, phone chargers, flashlights, etc.) - $60 or less per item
The Virginia sales tax holiday starts today and runs through Sunday, August 4! Before you start shopping, visit our website for a full list of qualifying products: https://bit.ly/4duay3M
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This is not a plug from a particular company to sell flood insurance policies. It is a regional outreach campaign spearheaded by the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission to encourage area residents to purchase flood insurance to protect themselves as our flood risks continue to grow.
Why do you need flood insurance?
Sure, many homes and families in Hampton Roads have yet to experience flooding. If you haven’t had water where it’s not supposed to be, you’ve been lucky. But times, as they say, are a’changin. And the facts are the facts.
FACT
Floods are the most common natural hazards.
And we’re not alone – 90 percent of all natural disasters in the U.S. involve some type of flooding. But not every flood is catastrophic. Smaller, more frequent flooding degrades infrastructure and can damage roads and building foundations over time. Communities suffer school closures, traffic interruptions, and continuing cost and inconvenience due to this “nuisance flooding.” Degraded sewer infrastructure results in heightened public health risks. And on it goes…
FACT
Anywhere it can rain, it can flood. Period.
High-risk areas, including parts of Hampton Roads, have a one-in-four chance of experiencing a flood over the life of a 30-year mortgage. Over the past 70 years, heavy rainfall events have become more intense and frequent in our area and will only continue to increase. Based on previous records, it is also likely that water levels will be higher than average daily high tide when a rainfall event occurs.
FACT
Homeowners and renters insurance does NOT cover flood damage.
Fifty-six percent of homeowners with homeowners insurance believe their policy covers flood insurance. If you are unsure, check with your agent.