Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
As Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and continues through Nov. 30, now is the time for Virginians to prepare for the possibility of flooding. While forecasts, flood maps and emergency plans are important tools, communicating the real-life impacts of flooding in our communities is equally critical. That’s why DCR encourages residents to use the Flood Story web viewer — a simple but powerful way to help build a safer, more informed Commonwealth.
Through the Flood Story web viewer, residents and communities can share firsthand flooding experiences directly to a public database that marks the flood event on a map. By combining a description of the flood and its impacts, Flood Stories help paint a more complete picture of flooding across the Commonwealth.
Flood maps show where flooding is expected to occur, but they do not always capture every flood event. Neighborhood flooding, flash flooding and repeated roadway flooding can impact people and our communities in a variety of ways. Flood Stories help fill those gaps by documenting local flooding events and highlighting the impacts communities experience firsthand.
These stories support flood awareness efforts across Virginia. They also help state and local decision-makers better understand where flooding occurs and how it affects residents. Most importantly, sharing flood experiences reminds others that flooding can happen anywhere — not just in coastal or high-risk areas.
DCR’s Flood Story form makes it easy for anyone to share information about how flooding has affected them. Using the online form, residents can submit details including:
The form can be completed from a desktop browser or mobile phone, and no special applications are needed. After submission, Flood Stories are reviewed and approved by DCR staff before being added to VFRIS and the Flood Story web viewer. Personal contact information is not shared publicly.
Residents can submit their flood stories here: Submit your flood story
Flooding affects communities across Virginia in different ways, and every story contributes to a broader understanding of risk and resilience. As hurricane season begins, DCR encourages all Virginians to stay prepared, stay informed and consider sharing their experiences through the Flood Story web viewer. Together, communities can help strengthen flood awareness and support smarter planning for the future.
Categories
Dam Safety and Floodplains | Flood Resilience | Floodplain Management
Tags
flood resilience
