Flooding & Flood Preparedness

Where it can rain, it can flood.  Are you prepared for flooding?

Most of the severe flooding in Roanoke occurs along the following 13 major creeks and rivers: Barnhardt (Cravens) Creek, Garnand Branch, Glade Creek, Gum Spring, Lick Run, Mudlick Creek, Murdock Creek, Murray Run, Ore Branch, Peters Creek, Tinker Creek, Trout Run and the Roanoke River. The flooding of November 1985 was the worst on record of the Roanoke River and many of the above tributaries. Three people died in Roanoke as a result of flooding in 1985 and countless numbers of people have been rescued from floodwaters in the City of Roanoke throughout the years. It was a reminder of the danger and damage that can result from widespread heavy rainfall in our community. The most recent significant flooding event was during October 2018 when precipitation from the remnants of Hurricane Michael resulted in the Roanoke River at Walnut Ave. bridge cresting at a height of 16.41 ft which places it 8th on the list of all time flood events. Hurricane Michael caused over $6B dollars of property damage across the east coast including many millions here in the Roanoke Valley. Because of the mountainous terrain throughout the Roanoke Valley, flooding of all of the creeks, except the Roanoke River, usually occurs quickly and with high velocity.


DAMAGE ASSESSMENT FORM

To report damage to homes and businesses caused by the recent flooding, fill out and submit this online form. 


COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Virginia Department of Emergency Management Information, click here.

American Red Cross National Disaster Hotline

— 1-855-891-7325
  • Provides immediate assistance after disaster 

Salvation Army

— (540) 343-5335
  • Assistance 

United Way of Roanoke Valley

— 211
  • Connecting people with resources


For a link to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, click here.

Flood Safety Information
Flood warning flyer1SPANISH

The City of Roanoke participates in National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is a Federal program created by Congress to mitigate future flood losses nationwide through sound, community-enforced building and zoning ordinances and to provide access to affordable, federally backed flood insurance protection for property owners. You can view the NFIP summary of coverage available here.

The City of Roanoke is committed to protecting citizens and their property from floods, as well as helping reduce rates that its citizens pay for flood insurance.  The City of Roanoke is in the Community Rating System (CRS), under the NFIP, giving discounts to citizens on their annual flood insurance premiums. The City of Roanoke is a class 7, giving citizens a 15% premium reduction in Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and 5% premium reduction in Non-SFHA. Questions? Learn more about the NFIP here.

This website provides important information on flooding hazards, and can also help qualify all city residents for a reduction in flood insurance rates. Please read and share appropriate information and safety tips with all members of your household. If you have any questions, please call the Stormwater Division at 540-853-5900.
Click through the Flooding in Roanoke brochure to know the flood risks and how to prepare.
Flooding In Roanoke 2023 Cover Page