Key facts
- Alert
- Coastal Flood Warning (severe)
- Issued by
- National Weather Service, Wakefield VA
- Areas
- Virginia Beach; Westmoreland; Northumberland
- In effect
- until 9:00 AM EDT, Oct 22, 2026
What the National Weather Service says
“Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.”
NWS Wakefield VA, Coastal Flood Warning, 7:59 PM EDT Oct 21, 2026 · official alert
“If travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.”
NWS Wakefield VA, Coastal Flood Warning, 7:59 PM EDT Oct 21, 2026 · official alert
“Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions.”
NWS Wakefield VA, Coastal Flood Warning, 7:59 PM EDT Oct 21, 2026 · official alert
What to do
Take steps now to protect flood-prone property. Move vehicles and valuables away from the waterfront and low-lying spots before the warning starts at 3 PM.
If you must travel, do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 1 foot can sweep a vehicle away.
Stay out of the ocean if you are an inexperienced swimmer. The National Weather Service warns of dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and some beach erosion. Move to higher ground if water rises near your home or business.
Context
The National Flood Insurance Program has recorded 6,261 flood insurance claims in Virginia Beach from 1978 to 2026, as of September 9, 2026. That count covers only insured properties, so actual flood damage over those years was likely larger.
FEMA has issued disaster declarations for the area, including Hurricane Matthew in 2016, Hurricane Irene in 2011, and severe storms and flooding tied to tropical depression Ida and a nor'easter in 2009.
Updates
- The coastal flood warning is no longer in effect.
- The National Weather Service updated the coastal flood warning; it remains in effect until 9:00 AM EDT.
- The National Weather Service updated the coastal flood warning; it remains in effect until 9:00 AM EDT.
- NWS Wakefield VA issued the coastal flood warning until 9:00 AM EDT.
History here
This county: 6261 flood insurance claims in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program records since 1978, most recent 2026.
This county: recent federal disaster declarations
- DR-4291 (2016): hurricane matthew
- DR-4024 (2011): hurricane irene
- DR-1862 (2009): severe storms and flooding associated with tropical depression ida and a nor'east
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Questions
- Is there a coastal flood warning in Virginia Beach?
- Yes. The National Weather Service in Wakefield issued a Coastal Flood Warning for Virginia Beach, in effect from 3 PM Wednesday afternoon to 9:00 AM EDT Thursday.
- How high will the water get in Virginia Beach?
- The National Weather Service expects 1 to 2 feet of flooding above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. Flooding could extend inland along tidal rivers and bays and close numerous roads.
- Is it safe to swim or surf in Virginia Beach right now?
- The National Weather Service says swimming and surfing conditions are dangerous, with breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet in the surf zone. A High Surf Advisory remains in effect until 7 PM EDT Thursday, and inexperienced swimmers should stay out of the water.
Sources
- NWS Wakefield VA: Coastal Flood Warning, Oct 21, 2026 weather.gov
- FEMA OpenFEMA: NFIP claims and disaster declarations fema.gov
How this page is made. The Herebeat Hazard Desk builds event pages from official U.S. government data (National Weather Service, USGS, FEMA). The text is written with AI from that data; every number and quote is checked against the official source automatically before publishing, and the page is updated when the agency updates the event. The official source is always the reference. Spotted a mistake? info@herebeat.app. About the Hazard Desk.