A community's vulnerability to flooding resulting from various categories of hurricanes can be assessed by consulting tidal surge maps that were created for the region. The following maps give a general indication of the extent of flooding that might be experienced from various category hurricanes. However, maps need to be viewed with an understanding of the information displayed. Each image represents an estimate of flooding from storms approaching from all directions. The flooding depicted is a worst case all direction storm scenario. The surge maps do not indicate depth of flooding. They also do not take into account flooding caused by wave action along the Atlantic coast or the heavy rainfall that accompanies a hurricane. The amount of inundation is also dependent upon variations in low tide or high tide conditions.
The following maps illustrate the potential impact of a Category 1, 2, 3 or 4 hurricane by jurisdiction within Hampton Roads. As you click on each map, the flood inundation gets progressively greater. You can see the potential flooding that might impact your neighborhood. It is another check on vulnerability. This demonstration is only for illustration purposes to show the need for Hampton Roads to be prepared and to plan ahead.
Hurricane surge maps are quite different than the FEMA 100-Year Flood Insurance Maps. 100-year flood maps are extremely conservative in comparison to hurricane tidal surge maps. If you are vulnerable to hurricane tidal surge flooding and/or 100-year flood events, you should consider purchasing flood insurance. You do not have to be within the 100-year flood plain to be impacted by hurricane tidal surge flooding!
We highly recommend that you contact your local emergency management office for clarification and specific information to assess your vulnerability. The above link contains the telephone number of your local emergency management office. Keep in mind that the hazards or risks associated with a hurricane also include highly destructive winds. Be prepared and review "Is Your Family Prepared for Hurricanes?"
| Accomack County | Northwest | Northeast | Central NW | Central NE | Central SW | Central SE | Southwest | Southeast |
| Chesapeake | North | South | West | |||||
| Chincoteaque | All | |||||||
| Gloucester County | North | South | East Central | West Central | ||||
| Newport News | North | South | ||||||
| Norfolk | North | South | ||||||
| Northampton County | North | N Central | S Central | South | Hog Island Bay | South Bay | ||
| Poquoson | All | |||||||
| Portsmouth | North | South | ||||||
| Suffolk | North | South | ||||||
| Virginia Beach | North | South | West | Central | ||||
| York County | North | South |
Source: HURRVAC Hurricane Tracking Program 6.0, John Townsend. Information is presented on the basis of the above qualifying statements to insure that the public will contact their local emergency management office for clarification and more detailed information pertaining to their vulnerability. Specific permission has been received from Mr. John Townsend to display surge maps on this web site for official emergency management purposes to support community awareness and preparedness. Webmasters may link preferably to our home page or this entry page, which gives proper credit and support to the conditions, premises and sources for which this section and related images are carefully presented. We would appreciate your support and understanding to cooperate and coordinate with HREMC.
