Flood Damage and Awareness

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

In the Spring  Virginia takes time to bring Flood Awareness to the state. Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster yet research shows many Virginians aren’t prepared. Floods aren’t limited to mapped flood risk areas. In fact, many of the 2,000 homes that were flooded in 2016 during Hurricane Matthew were outside the mapped floodplain. Also, hurricanes don’t just hit coastal Virginia. In 2018, Hurricanes Florence and Michael tore through central and western areas of the state. After Hurricane Michael, the Dan River region alone suffered around $12.9 million in damages (DCR) Flooding doesn't only occur during hurricanes or named storms. In February 2020, southwest Virginia communities had severe flooding from days of heavy rain, bad enough where some had to be rescued from their homes. The flooding resulted in damaged buildings and road closures. Tides can also impact flood risk, and they’re not only found along the coast. Tidal waters extend inland to places like Richmond and Fredericksburg, as well as north, like Alexandria and Arlington. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science developed a map that forecasts water levels to help visualize the magnitude and impacts of coastal flooding, its called Tidewatch. Anywhere it can rain, it can flood that’s why it's extremely important to be prepared.

For more information visit: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/dam-safety-and-floodplains/floodawareness