Norfolk Tidal Flooding, Norfolk - Aileen Devlin
Scenes of roads and public access areas begin to nuisance flood as high tide creeps into Norfolk, Va. after a few days of rainfall on May 20, 2020.
Image credit: Aileen Devlin | Virginia Sea Grant

Flooding in Virginia

Virginia communities are facing growingly more frequent and extreme threats from our changing climate. Climate change is leading to sea level rise, more intense storms, and more frequent heavy rainfall which are in turn causing increased flooding. Virginia is experiencing one of the highest rates of sea level rise in the country, threatening millions of Virginians who live in the coastal region and beyond.

Virginia’s Coastal Resilience Master Plan

To increase our resilience to sea level rise and increased duration/intensity of storms, the Secretary of Natural Resources, along with stakeholders, are developing the Virginia Coastal Resilience Master Plan. In November, the state will release a comprehensive plan for our communities to prepare for and adapt to flooding, including priority resiliency projects, financing strategies, and a plan for coordination among state, federal, and local governments.

Speak Up!

To gather stakeholder feedback, the Commonwealth is hosting eight listening events throughout the state and is now seeking your input through this public survey.

“To ensure the master plan achieves these goals, it is important that people speak up,” said Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Peggy Sanner. “Please, spread the word that Virginia is finalizing its plan now, fill out the survey, and attend a meeting. It will make a difference.”

Take the Survey

“As flooding continues to encroach on Virginia communities, devising a unified and thoughtful flood resilience plan will become only more critical. I cannot understate the importance for affected community members to participate in these survey and listening session processes.”