By Maria-Paula
As hurricane season gets underway, officials across Hampton Roads are urging residents to take steps now to prepare for potential flooding and severe weather, emphasizing that a single storm can have devastating consequences.
Although forecasters predict a near-average hurricane season, emergency management officials warn that preparedness remains critical for all households throughout the region.
“Flooding can occur anywhere it rains, and it only takes one major storm to significantly impact our communities,” regional officials said.
Residents are encouraged to review and update emergency plans, assemble disaster supply kits, and ensure they understand their property’s flood risk. Officials also recommend checking insurance policies, noting that standard homeowners and renters insurance typically do not cover flood damage.
To improve public safety and flood awareness, the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC), in partnership with local governments and Green Stream Technologies, is expanding a regional network of roadway flooding sensors. Approximately 45 sensors are being installed at frequently flooded locations across the region.
The sensors will provide real-time water level information through public platforms, including the National Weather Service dashboard, and will support roadway flooding alerts through the Waze navigation app. The data collected will also help local governments better understand flooding patterns and strengthen future transportation, emergency response, and resilience planning efforts.
In addition to these technological improvements, Hampton Roads continues to receive national recognition for its long-term resilience initiatives. The region’s Regional Resilient Design Guidelines were recently recognized as a national best practice for helping communities prepare for sea level rise, stronger storms, and changing rainfall patterns.
Officials encourage residents to take advantage of educational resources available through regional flood awareness campaigns to better understand flood hazards, explore flood maps, estimate insurance costs, and learn practical ways to protect homes and property.
With peak hurricane activity expected later in the season, emergency managers stress that preparation today can make a significant difference when severe weather strikes.”The best time to prepare for a hurricane is before a storm is on the horizon. Prepared communities are safer communities,” the officials said.
