Virginia Urges Residents to Prepare for Flood Risks During Awareness Week

State agency warns only 3% of Virginians have flood insurance despite flooding being the most common natural disaster.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is recognizing Flood Awareness Week from March 8-14, urging residents to learn about their flood risk and protect themselves with flood insurance. According to DCR, flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster, yet only 3% of Virginians carry flood insurance.

Why it matters

Flooding can happen anywhere it rains, and Virginia has seen significant flooding events in recent years, including a major flood in Petersburg last summer that was exacerbated by lack of river maintenance. The state agency wants to raise awareness about flood risks and the importance of being prepared with flood insurance, especially as tidal waters extend further inland.

The details

DCR recommends that residents check the Virginia Flood Risk Information System to determine if they live in a high-risk flood zone. The agency notes that flooding can occur not just during hurricanes, but also from heavy rain that can require water rescues and damage buildings and roads. Tidal waters can also impact flood risk in areas like Richmond, Fredericksburg, Alexandria, and Arlington.

  • Flood Awareness Week is March 8-14, 2026.
  • Last summer, several Virginia localities experienced significant flooding after being hit by numerous storms.

The players

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)

The state agency that is recognizing Flood Awareness Week and urging Virginians to prepare for flood risks.

Samuel Parham

The mayor of Petersburg, Virginia, who revealed that lack of maintenance on the Appomattox River contributed to significant flooding in the area last summer.

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What they’re saying

“'Anywhere it can rain, it can flood. Make sure you know your risk and you're prepared. You can't control the weather, but you can prepare for it.'”

— Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) (DCR website)

The takeaway

This Flood Awareness Week highlights the need for more Virginians to understand their flood risks and obtain flood insurance, as flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the state, with recent events showing the damage that can occur when communities are unprepared.