Published on March 04, 2026
Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States, and it is becoming more frequent with climate change.
As we head into the annual spring rainy season, Arlington County encourages residents to take action to reduce their risk of flooding. Steps like signing up for local alerts, purchasing flood insurance and supporting local mitigation projects can help make Arlington more flood resilient.
Virginia Flood Awareness Week, March 8- 14, 2026, encourages residents of the Commonwealth to learn about their risk and protect the life they’ve built with flood insurance. Just an inch of water entering a home can result in as much as $25,000 in damages, yet only 3% of Virginians have flood insurance. In Virginia, a flood insurance policy in lower flood risk areas costs between $400 to $1,000 annually.
Even if your property is not in a FEMA flood hazard zone, you may still have some risk of flooding. Here are some new resources for risk information:
Check the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation FATHOM map
Consider the Arlington Risk Assessment and Management Plan (RAMP) inundation maps, which include areas at risk for inland and riverine flooding and future flooding projections for 2040 and 2070
More than half of all flood-related drownings occur when motorists attempt to drive through flood water. Arlington is installing a flow monitoring and high water sensor network, which warns drivers when roads are flooded. Other leading flood-related deaths happen when people walk too close to flood water.
Arlington is taking action to improve Flood Resilience by increasing investment in the County’s stormwater management system, developing soon-to-be-completed Flood Adaptation Design and Construction Guidelines, and programs such as the Voluntary Property Acquisition Program to Reduce Flood Risk.
Store important documents in waterproof containers on an upper floor
Invest in a sump pump to remove water that may accumulate during a storm
Choose tile or other waterproof flooring rather than carpeting on lower floors
Consider installing a sanitary sewer backflow valve to prevent backup flooding
Elevate mechanical equipment like hot water heaters above flood level
Keep storm drains clear of debris, enabling water to drain away from property during heavy rainfall
Water can enter through basement windows, stairwells, doors, dryer vents or cracks and gaps in the foundation; consider possible protection with low walls or temporary and other shields
Ensure fencing is high enough off the ground to let water flow out of the yard
Sign up for Arlington Alert
Understanding Your Flood Risk
How to Reduce Your Flood Risk
Como Protegerse Contra Las Inundaciones
To understand more about Arlington floodplain areas, visit the Reducing Your Risk of Flooding webpage. To learn more about flood insurance, visit https://floodsmart.gov or speak with your homeowner's insurance agent.
For additional information on what Arlington is doing to be more flood resilient, visit Flood Resilient Arlington.
Aileen Winquist Department of Environmental Services 703-228-3610