What is the difference between a flood watch and a warning?

A flood watch means flooding is possible. A flood warning means flooding is happening or about to. A flash flood warning is the most urgent and means move to higher ground now.

Is it safe to drive through flood water?

No. Most flood deaths happen in vehicles. As little as a foot of moving water can carry away a car, so turn around rather than drive through water of unknown depth.

AUTHORITATIVE DATA SNAPSHOTUpdated Sep 12, 2026, 10:15 PM UTC

FLOODING · VIRGINIA

Virginia Floods

Current flood and flash-flood warnings for Virginia from the National Weather Service. Active warnings are mapped by the area each one covers.

CURRENT STATUS3 active warnings

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ANSWER FIRST

Current flooding in Virginia (3)

Virginia has 3 active flood warnings right now.

#Hazard / eventSeverityLocationSourceUpdated

1Flash Flood WarningFlash Flood Warning issued September 12 at 5:47PM EDT until September 12 at 8:45PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VAHighCharles City, VA; Chesterfield, VA; Henrico, VA; City of Richmond, VANWSSep 12, 2026Within the hour 2Flash Flood WarningFlash Flood Warning issued September 12 at 5:19PM EDT until September 12 at 8:15PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VAHighPrince George, VA; City of Colonial Heights, VA; City of Hopewell, VANWSSep 12, 20261 hr ago 3Flash Flood WarningFlash Flood Warning issued September 12 at 5:17PM EDT until September 12 at 8:15PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VAHighPrince George, VA; Surry, VA; Sussex, VANWSSep 12, 20261 hr ago

FloodingHigh

Flash Flood Warning issued September 12 at 5:47PM EDT until September 12 at 8:45PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA

Charles City, VA; Chesterfield, VA; Henrico, VA; City of Richmond, VA

NWSWithin the hour

FloodingHigh

Flash Flood Warning issued September 12 at 5:19PM EDT until September 12 at 8:15PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA

Prince George, VA; City of Colonial Heights, VA; City of Hopewell, VA

NWS1 hr ago

FloodingHigh

Flash Flood Warning issued September 12 at 5:17PM EDT until September 12 at 8:15PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA

Prince George, VA; Surry, VA; Sussex, VA

NWS1 hr ago

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Event statusHighElevatedAdvisory

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COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a flood watch and a warning?: A flood watch means flooding is possible. A flood warning means flooding is happening or about to. A flash flood warning is the most urgent and means move to higher ground now.
Is it safe to drive through flood water?: No. Most flood deaths happen in vehicles. As little as a foot of moving water can carry away a car, so turn around rather than drive through water of unknown depth.

CONTEXT

About flooding in Virginia

A flood watch means flooding is possible; a flood warning means it is happening or imminent. Flash flood warnings are the most urgent and call for moving to higher ground right away.

Most flood deaths happen in vehicles. Turn around rather than drive through water of unknown depth. As little as a foot of moving water can carry away a car.

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