Hurricane season is June 1 – November 30. Plan Now.
Hurricanes cause high winds, tornadoes and landslides, but their deadliest hazard is flooding. Tropical storms and depressions can be just as dangerous. Learn about hurricane formation, storm history and climatology.
Monitor local TV or radio stations for evacuation orders, shelter locations and watches and warnings.
Coastal flooding
At the coast, tropical storm systems can cause storm surges–the main reason to order a coastal evacuation.
Coastal residents should know their storm surge risk and designated evacuation routes.
- There are designated hurricane evacuation routes for Hampton, the Eastern Shore, Norfolk, Poquoson, the Middle Peninsula, the Northern Neck, Virginia Beach and York County.
- If you have questions about your area’s evacuation routes, contact your local emergency manager.
- The governor can also order a lane reversal of the eastbound lanes on I-64 to help evacuate Hampton Roads.
Inland flooding
Inland, tropical storm systems can cause flash floods that develop in a matter of minutes.
- Inland residents should be just as prepared for flooding as their coastal neighbors.
- Residents living inland should know where to go if ordered to evacuate.
- Know ahead of time where your family should go to find higher ground.
