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Natural disasters can be frightening. From wildfires to heavy rainfall and flooding, forecasts and news reports can create concern and uncertainty. Hurricane season brings additional questions, especially when annual predictions focus on Virginia and the surrounding Atlantic region. Hurricane season in Virginia runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak season typically occurring from late summer into early fall. Tropical systems can bring damaging winds, flooding rains, tornadoes, coastal storm surge, and power outages well inland. Because conditions can change quickly, preparing before a storm develops gives you and your family more time to stay informed, protect your property, and respond safely.
As a local insurer, Northern Neck Insurance has served Virginia homeowners through hurricane seasons since 1896. We understand the peace of mind that comes from preparing your home and family before the next major storm. Reliable information is essential, but knowing which resources to trust and where to begin can be difficult. Because finding clear, practical guidance should not add to that stress, we are here to help.
To help Virginians prepare with confidence, we created this Hurricane Preparedness Guide with trusted information from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), and regional utility providers. Use this guide to make a plan, protect your home and family, and respond safely before, during, and after a hurricane.
It's important to have a plan for your family ahead of the chance for severe weather. Use the following checklist to help your family prepare for a hurricane:
Staying informed about hurricane forecasts is an important part of preparing for severe weather in Virginia. Storm tracks and intensity can change, so monitor trusted sources throughout hurricane season for updates about a storm’s path, timing, and potential impacts. The National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, and local officials can provide guidance specific to your area.
Pay attention to watches, warnings, evacuation notices, and shelter information, and act promptly when officials advise you to do so. Hurricanes can bring dangerous winds, heavy rain, and flooding well beyond the coast. Staying informed gives you more time to protect your home, gather supplies, and keep your family safe.
Stay ahead of local weather, especially before you head out the door and get on the road. Track storms and make appropriate preparations for the worst-case scenario. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (opens in a new window) (VDEM) has great resources for your family when storms are approaching Virginia. They also have an active Facebook page (opens in a new window) you can follow.
The National Weather Service for Virginia (opens in a new window) has social media communication channels in 4 regions:
You can also report a road issue to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) at 1-800-367-7623 (FOR-ROAD). Do not report hazards while you're driving. Pull over safely or wait until you get home. For life-threatening emergencies, please dial 911.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)/ National Weather Service issues both watches and warnings. However, there are critical differences between the two alerts and can apply to hurricanes and tornadoes.
A Hurricane Watch is issued when a tropical cyclone containing winds of 64 kt (74 mph) or higher poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding.
A Hurricane Warning is issued when sustained winds of 64 kt (74 mph) or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.
Tornadoes can occur in Virginia during a hurricane. To stay safe, be sure to sign up for local weather alerts and learn the warning signs that a tornado may be approaching your area.
A Tornado Watch is issued when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that they will occur. It only means they are possible.
A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado is imminent. When a tornado warning is issued, seek safe shelter immediately.
Locate your home insurance documents, policy number, and contact information for your local agent. If you're a Northern Neck Insurance member, access your policy documents through your online member account.
In Virginia, a state of emergency may be issued in advance of a hurricane. This formal declaration allows the Commonwealth to mobilize resources and deploy personnel and equipment to support response and recovery efforts. It also helps state and local officials coordinate assistance and may authorize additional emergency measures related to essential resources, depending on the circumstances and applicable law. When a storm causes significant damage, the declaration can support Virginia’s request for a federal disaster declaration and potential assistance through FEMA, although federal aid is not automatic. Residents should continue monitoring local alerts, preparing their households, and following instructions from emergency officials.
Taking a few steps before a hurricane arrives can help reduce potential damage and make recovery easier. Walk around your property to identify items that could become hazards in high winds, check essential systems, and prepare your home for rain, flooding, and power outages. The following checklist can help you protect your home and property before severe weather reaches Virginia:
Hurricanes can create dangerous conditions quickly, including strong winds, tornadoes, flooding, and power outages. As a storm approaches, follow guidance from local emergency officials and evacuate promptly if instructed to do so. If you remain at home, the following steps can help you and your family stay as safe as possible during the storm:
Hurricanes can produce tornadoes, so it's important to learn where to take shelter and be prepared to act quickly when a tornado warning is issued. Learn more about tornado safety!
Here are tips for sheltering at home, school, or work:
The best way to report and track a power outage in your area is by using online platforms. Electric utility companies can be inundated with phone calls. Utilize the links below to report an outage online and find information about electric utilities in your region.
After any severe storm, damage could occur, including downed trees on your property (opens in a new window), power outages, broken glass, and more.
If your home experiences damage during a severe weather, you may call your local agent for advice. Your agent can help you with your specific situation. Have your policy number and a list of questions ready: Am I covered? What's my deductible? When can I expect an adjuster to come to inspect the damage? What are the next steps?
When you're ready, the best way to report your home insurance claim is using your NNINS online member account. At your convenience, you can provide all your claim details and upload all your documentation, such as photos, police reports, and receipts. You can also call our 24/7 Claims Hotline at 877-968-7252. Keep in mind, you may experience longer than normal wait times if a large storm resulted in many claims.
Damage caused by hurricanes, such as wind, hail, lightning, falling objects, or debris, can be covered under standard homeowners policies and an auto insurance policy's optional comprehensive car insurance. Check out our storm damage claims article.
Here are more tips for staying safe after hurricane damage:
While travel is sometimes unavoidable, delaying leaving home or work until severe weather passes is safest. Prepare to travel before imminent severe weather by contacting transportation sources for up-to-date travel information. If hail or flooding is in the forecast, moving your car to higher ground or under cover into a garage is a good idea.
Driving in heavy rain can be dangerous. Driving in a hurricane is very dangerous! The most important thing to remember is to avoid driving through flooded roadways after a hurricane or heavy rainfall. Flooded roadways may not look deep, but taking the chance can be life-threatening and damaging to your vehicle. Avoid downed power lines. It's best to stay home as much as possible unless instructed by authorities to evacuate.
Hail can cause costly damage to your car. Before attempting to drive, inspect your vehicle for any signs of water damage, debris, or structural issues. Check the undercarriage and wheel wells for debris that may have accumulated during the storm. Prepare to drive safely in the rain and protect your car from hail damage during and after severe weather with the following tips:
EV owners should exercise additional caution, as saltwater exposure can pose fire risks. After potential exposure to saltwater, refrain from operating or charging the vehicle and consult with manufacturers or emergency services if battery damage is suspected.
The Virginia 511 Information System (opens in a new window) provides the latest traffic and road conditions by phone, website, and app.
The VDOT Safety Patrol (opens in a new window) provides free-of-charge services for interstate trouble, such as tire change assistance, fuel at the nearest gas station, jump starts, phone access, and directions.
Virginia State Police (opens in a new window) is active on Twitter: @VSPPIO (opens in a new window) and Facebook: @VirginiaStatePolice (opens in a new window)
Follow the Virginia Department of Transportation (opens in a new window) for local travel advisories on Twitter in your local area:
Follow the VDOT Facebook Page (opens in a new window) and join the following Facebook groups for local advisories:
If you become stranded in your vehicle during a hurricane, stay calm and remain inside until severe weather has passed or help arrives. Follow these steps to stay safe, conserve resources, and make it easier for rescuers to locate you.
You can also report a road issue to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) at 1-800-367-7623 (FOR-ROAD). Please don't report hazards while you're driving. Pull over safely or wait until you get home. For life-threatening emergencies, please dial 911.
Air travel can be affected before, during, and after a hurricane. If you plan to fly, check with your airline and airport before leaving home, allow extra time, and be prepared for delays or cancellations as conditions change. The Virginia airports below provide updated information to help you plan safely. Click the links for updated flight information:
We also have useful information that can answer your questions about home insurance, hurricane deductibles, insurance for flood damage, and preparing your home's roof, trees, and gutters for hurricane season. We encourage all of our members to have a home inventory. Having one makes any claims process run a whole lot smoother. We recommend contacting your independent agent regularly to review and understand your coverage.
Simply said- we're here for you! Use our guide to help your family prepare for a Virginia hurricane. Check out our severe weather claim FAQs and contact your local independent agent or contact us if you need to file a home or car insurance claim. We're right here and ready to help.
Sources:
https://ibhs.org/hurricanereadyhomeafterevent/#.YzNN6HmmPoQ.link
https://www.vaemergency.gov/know-your-zone
https://www.vaemergency.gov/prepare/emergency-kit
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title44/chapter3.2/section44-146.21/
THE NORTHERN NECK INSURANCE INTEGRITY PROMISE — We pledge to provide straight talk and good counsel from our NNINS Virginia insurance experts through our blog. While we hope you find this to be a helpful source of information, it does not replace the guidance of a licensed insurance professional, nor does it modify the terms of your Northern Neck Insurance policy in any way. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy.