Enter any address in Buena Vista city, Virginia to see its FEMA flood zone
1 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Buena Vista city, Virginia has recorded 13 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 2 flash floods and 10 river or area floods. The county has received 20 federal disaster declarations, 6 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 |
| Hurricane Sandy | Hurricane | Oct 26, 2012 |
| Severe Storms And Straight-line Winds | Severe Storm | Jun 29, 2012 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Dec 18, 2009 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Hurricane Isabel | Hurricane | Sep 18, 2003 |
| Hurricane Fran And Associated Severe Storm Cond | Hurricane | Sep 5, 1996 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Sep 1, 2018 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Nov 29, 2005 | — |
| Flash Flood | Jun 15, 2004 | — |
| Flood | Sep 8, 2004 | — |
| Flood | Feb 22, 2003 | 0K |
| Tropical Storm | Sep 18, 2003 | 0K |
| Flood | Sep 18, 2003 | 650K |
| Flood | May 6, 2003 | — |
| Flood | Jun 6, 2003 | — |
| Flood | Jan 9, 1998 | — |
Flash Flood — Sep 1, 2018
A stationary boundary through the Mid-Atlantic into the Mid-Mississippi Valley spawned thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening of August 31st that carried over into the early morning hours of September 1st . Storms were mainly across the foothills and southside Virginia with radar estimated rainfall of 1 to 2.5 inches in a few hours. Top rain gage reports ending at 0700 EDT on the 1st inclu...
Flood — Nov 29, 2005
Rainfall of 4 to as much as 10 inches over a 36 hour period caused flooding along several creeks and rivers in counties along and either side of the Blue Ridge. Several roads were closed due to high water, especially in Amherst County.
Flash Flood — Jun 15, 2004
Heavy rain producing thunderstorms produced flashing flooding in and around Buena Vista in Rockbridge County, across southern sections of Henry and Patrick Counties. One thunderstorm produced a downburst in Henry County as well, downing a tree in Bassett. Kerrs Creek left its banks yielding the evacuation of one home. Also, numerous streets were flooded in Buena Vista as a result of several st...
Flood — Sep 8, 2004
The remnants of Tropical Depression Frances brought flooding rains to portions of Southwest Virginia September 8th. Across Henry County, numerous creeks and streams flooded, leading to road closures. Some roads were damaged as well by the floodwaters. A few homes had water damage in their basements.In Rockbridge County, as much as 9 inches of rain led to flooding of creeks and streams. Roads we...
Flood — Feb 22, 2003
Heavy rain over a long period of time caused small stream and urban flooding. A man who had been rescued once from the North Fork of the Roanoke River, returned to his truck with his father, and attempted to recover items from the truck. They remained trapped in the flood waters for several hours. The son died later that night in the hospital from hypothermia. Small stream and urban floodin...
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 Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista 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.