Enter any address in Alexandria city, Virginia to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from intense thunderstorms is the most frequent type of flood event recorded in Alexandria city County over the last 30 years. These events can occur rapidly, with rainfall rates reaching five to six inches per hour, leading to widespread flooding. For example, in July 2025, heavy rainfall resulted in flash flooding across the county.
Coastal flooding also presents a risk, driven by strong winds and high tides. In January 2024, a strong low-pressure system produced strong southeast winds that raised water levels along the Potomac River, causing moderate flooding. Similarly, in September 2024, prolonged onshore flow combined with high astronomical tides led to multiple days of moderate coastal flooding.
Residents in areas designated as Zone A, which has seen the highest number of National Flood Insurance Program claims with significant average water depths and payouts, should be particularly aware of their flood risk. Properties located in coastal areas or along the Potomac River are also more susceptible to flooding events.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
16 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Alexandria city, Virginia has recorded 102 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 44 flash floods and 24 river or area floods. The county has received 22 federal disaster declarations, 4 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1972–2026)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storm | Winter Storm | Jan 22, 2026 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Hurricane Florence | Hurricane | Sep 13, 2018 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Jan 22, 2016 |
| Hurricane Sandy | Hurricane | Oct 26, 2012 |
| The Remnants Of Tropical Storm Lee | Severe Storm | Sep 8, 2011 |
| Hurricane Irene | Hurricane | Aug 26, 2011 |
| Severe Winter Storms And Snowstorms | Snowstorm | Feb 5, 2010 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Dec 18, 2009 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 9, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Sep 23, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Sep 22, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Sep 21, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Mar 9, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Jan 9, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Aug 9, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Sep 24, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 14, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 16, 2022 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Jul 9, 2025
An anomalously moist airmass ahead of a frontal boundary sparked numerous showers and thunderstorms across Virginia. Instantaneous rain rates approached five to six inches an hour in the bigger storms. Storm total rainfall of one and a half to four inches resulted in flooding and flash flooding in areas throughout the evening of July 9th.
Coastal Flood — Sep 23, 2024
A very prolonged period of onshore flow combined with high astronomical tides resulted in multiple days of moderate coastal flooding at the City of Alexandria.
Coastal Flood — Sep 22, 2024
A very prolonged period of onshore flow combined with high astronomical tides resulted in multiple days of moderate coastal flooding at the City of Alexandria.
Coastal Flood — Sep 21, 2024
A very prolonged period of onshore flow combined with high astronomical tides resulted in multiple days of moderate coastal flooding at the City of Alexandria.
Coastal Flood — Mar 9, 2024
A strong onshore flow combined with high astronomical tides due to a New Moon resulted in moderate coastal flooding at Alexandria VA.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Individual Claims (2.25M records analyzed).
FEMA assigns flood zone designations to areas in Alexandria city, Virginia:
AE High Risk — 1% annual chance of flooding. Insurance required.
VE Very High Risk — Coastal flooding with wave action.
X (Shaded) Moderate Risk — 500-year floodplain.
X Low Risk — Outside major floodplains.
Properties in Alexandria city, Virginia that are in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (zones A and V) with federally backed mortgages are required to carry flood insurance.
Even outside high-risk zones, flood insurance is recommended. From 2014 to 2024, nearly one-third of NFIP claims came from outside the high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area.
Visit FloodSmart.gov to find an agent and get a quote.