Water Damage Restoration in Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach by the numbers: 116 flood report days from 2016 to 2025, 50 freezing nights a year, 5 federal disaster declarations since 2016. Below: first steps, the records, Virginia insurance rules and costs.
Updated October 31, 2026
First Steps for Water in a Home in Virginia Beach
- Storm flooding: wait until the water stops rising and officials allow re-entry; wear boots and gloves (flooding steps).
- Stay clear of wet outlets and cords.
- Photograph the damage, then call your insurer.
Virginia Beach Flood Record
NOAA has 419 flood and flash flood reports for the 15 Virginia counties of the Virginia Beach metro area from 2016 to 2025, on 116 separate days; July had the most.
At the Virginia Beach 2.4 N gauge, July is the wettest month with 6.7 inches on average.
Hurricanes, tropical storms or storm surge added 6 report days.
| Month | Flood report days | Normal precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3 | 3.7 |
| February | 0 | 3 |
| March | 4 | 4.3 |
| April | 1 | 3.5 |
| May | 7 | 4.4 |
| June | 13 | 4.6 |
| July | 26 | 6.7 |
| August | 24 | 6.5 |
| September | 17 | 6 |
| October | 14 | 4.8 |
| November | 4 | 3.5 |
| December | 3 | 3.6 |
| County | Flood report days | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach city | 46 | 77 |
| Norfolk city | 40 | 72 |
| Chesapeake city | 28 | 34 |
| James City County | 26 | 29 |
| York County | 25 | 28 |
| Portsmouth city | 24 | 27 |
| Hampton city | 23 | 28 |
| Isle of Wight County | 20 | 40 |
| Surry County | 20 | 30 |
| Williamsburg city | 17 | 17 |
Freezing Nights in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach averages 50 nights a year at or below 32°F (Oceana NAS station). About 5 of them drop to 20°F or colder. NOAA counted 15 winter storm, ice or extreme cold days in the 15 Virginia counties of the Virginia Beach metro area from 2016 to 2025.
Unheated crawl spaces, attics and garages freeze first (Red Cross); keep the heat at 55°F or more (IBHS).
Storms and Disasters in Virginia Beach
The 15 Virginia counties of the Virginia Beach metro area were named in 5 federal weather or fire declarations since 2016 (OpenFEMA).
Notable NOAA storm reports
- May 22, 2025: Hail, 2 inch hail (Chesapeake city)A member of the public shared a picture of a large hailstone on social media near Grassfield High School. The hail size was estimated to be at least 2 inches in diameter.
- April 30, 2023: Tornado, EF3 (Virginia Beach city)A tornado formed over the eastern branch of Lynnhaven River in the City of Virginia Beach. The tornado progressed up River Road as an EF1, passing by the Great Neck Recreation Center.
- July 26, 2022: Thunderstorm wind, 92 mph gust (Norfolk city)Five helicopters where flipped on their side with propeller and roof damage near Norfolk Naval Air Station. This was likely caused by a gustnado with winds estimated to be between 90 to 95 miles per hour.
- August 4, 2020: Tropical storm (Chesapeake city)Tropical storm winds downed and uprooted several trees and power lines, produced significant structural damage, and caused power outages across the county. Wind gust of 43 knots (49 mph) was measured at NFE.
- October 8, 2016: Flood (Chesapeake city)Heavy rain caused an extended period of significant flooding across much of the county. Numerous roads were impassable or closed for several days, and many homes and businesses were impacted.
Federal disaster declarations
- January 23, 2026: Severe Winter StormWinter Storm, FEMA EM-3631
- December 18, 2018: Tropical Storm MichaelHurricane, FEMA DR-4411
- October 15, 2018: Hurricane FlorenceHurricane, FEMA DR-4401
- September 11, 2018: Hurricane FlorenceHurricane, FEMA EM-3403
- November 2, 2016: Hurricane MatthewHurricane, FEMA DR-4291
Virginia Beach Housing at a Glance
Census figures for the city of Virginia Beach (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024): 191,294 housing units, a median build year of 1984, 40% built before 1980, 21% before 1970, 65% owner occupied.
Virginia Insurance Rules for Water Claims
Virginia insurers must acknowledge a claim notice within 15 calendar days (14VAC5-400-50).
Claim problems in Virginia go to the Virginia Bureau of Insurance.
Flood damage needs a separate flood policy, which typically starts 30 days after purchase (FloodSmart). Look up Virginia Beach flood zones on FEMA's flood maps.
Restoration Cost Guide for Virginia Beach
| Typical range (national) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Most jobs | $1,305 to $5,707 |
| Sewage, per sq ft | $7 to $7.50 |
| Average insurer payout, water or freeze claim | $15,400 |
Sources: Bob Vila, May 2023; III, 2019 to 2023.
Areas Served Around Virginia Beach
The same 24/7 line covers the Virginia Beach metro area, including:
- Virginia Beach
- Chesapeake
- Norfolk
- Newport News
- Hampton
- Suffolk
- Portsmouth
Other Virginia city guides
Questions
When is the first freeze in Virginia Beach?
The median first night at or below 32°F is November 12 and the median last is March 29 at the Oceana NAS station (NOAA normals, 1991 to 2020).
Does Virginia license mold assessment or remediation?
Virginia repealed its mold inspector and remediator licensing article in 2012 (Va. Code 54.1-517.3 (repealed)).
How fast does mold start?
Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours (EPA).
Sources: NOAA Storm Events, NOAA normals, OpenFEMA, Census ACS, 14VAC5-400-50, Va. Code 54.1-517.3 (repealed), EPA mold guide.