County: Charlotte
ZIP Codes: 23937



Drakes Branch, Virginia, although situated about 150 miles inland from the Atlantic Coast, is not immune to the dangers posed by hurricanes. Hurricanes which make landfall can retain significant strength and continue to bring damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and severe thunderstorms as they move inland. These hurricanes can trigger flash floods and river floods. Given that Drakes Branch is near the Roanoke River and also relatively low-lying, it is at a risk of flooding if a hurricane brings heavy rains. This risk is exacerbated by the potential for upstream areas to funnel runoff and contribute to flash flooding conditions. Elevation-wise, the area isn't at significant risk from storm surge, however, the low elevation could amplify the risks of flash floods or sustained flooding particularly during significant rainfall events. Historically, Drakes Branch has seen the impacts of several major hurricanes, including Hurricane Fran in 1996 which caused widespread flooding in Virginia. Hurricane Isabel in 2003 also disrupted life in Drakes Branch due to strong winds and downpours causing power outages and flooding. Notably, Hurricane Michael in 2018 caused serious flooding which led to evacuations and damage to infrastructure in Drakes Branch. Lessons learned from these events should underline the need for preparedness measures such as safeguarding infrastructure, having evacuation plans in place, and fostering community awareness about potential flood areas and their escape routes.






This page shows the hurricane evacuation zone for Drakes Branch, Virginia, based on official state and local data. Your evacuation zone indicates your area’s risk from storm surge and flooding during a hurricane or tropical storm. When officials issue evacuation orders, they often do so by zone (e.g., Zone A, Zone B), so knowing your zone helps you understand when and whether you may need to evacuate. Always confirm with the official state or county evacuation zone map linked above, as boundaries can be updated.
To see evacuation zones for other cities and towns in your state, visit our hurricane evacuation zones in VA page and choose a different town. For a full list of states we cover, see hurricane evacuation zones by state. You can also use our hurricane evacuation zone by ZIP code lookup to quickly find your zone by ZIP code.
Storm surge—water driven ashore by a hurricane—is one of the greatest threats to life and property in coastal and low-lying areas. Evacuation zones are drawn using elevation, historical surge data, and flood models so that the most vulnerable areas are identified in advance. If you are in a higher-risk zone, having an evacuation plan and a go-kit ready can save critical time when an order is issued. This hurricane evacuation zone lookup gives you a clear starting point so you can plan ahead and stay informed.
Hurricane preparedness goes beyond knowing your zone. It includes having an evacuation route, a family communication plan, emergency supplies (water, food, medications, important documents), and a plan for pets. The hurricane supplies list on this page is a good basis for a go-kit. We also recommend signing up for local emergency alerts and following your state and county emergency management offices for the latest evacuation zone information and orders.
The primary evacuation zone shown at the top of this page is derived from the same type of data that state and local emergency managers use. The map on this site helps you see where Drakes Branch, Virginia sits in relation to zone boundaries. For the most authoritative and up-to-date boundaries, use the official “know your zone” or evacuation zone map link provided above; we link to it so you can verify your zone before and during hurricane season.
If you need to look up another address or town, return to our state evacuation zone page for VA to choose a different city or town, or go to our main hurricane evacuation zones by state page to switch states. Our ZIP code evacuation zone lookup is another way to quickly find hurricane evacuation zone information by ZIP code across the regions we support.
When a hurricane or tropical storm threatens, follow the guidance of your local emergency management office and the National Weather Service. Evacuation orders are issued based on the specific storm track and intensity, so your zone is a guide—not a substitute for official instructions. By using this site to find your evacuation zone and prepare in advance, you give yourself and your family a better chance of staying safe when the next storm approaches.