County: Roanoke
ZIP Codes: 24019, 24014, 24015, 24016, 24017, 24011, 24012, 24013, 24022, 24001, 24002, 24003, 24004, 24005, 24006, 24007, 24008, 24009, 24010, 24023, 24024, 24025, 24026, 24027, 24028, 24029, 24030, 24031, 24032, 24033, 24034, 24035, 24036, 24037, 24038, 24040, 24042, 24043



Although Roanoke, Virginia, is located approximately 200 miles from the coast, the city is not exempt from the potential threats posed by hurricanes and tropical storms. Proximity to large bodies of water is not the only determinant for hurricane damage; these systems can travel inland and still cause significant harm and disruption. Variables such as the system’s speed, rainfall distribution, and changes in elevation characterize how Roanoke might be impacted. In Roanoke's case, the elevation stands around 900 feet, fluctuating due to surrounding mountainous areas, which offers some protection from storms but makes it more susceptible to intense rainfall and flooding. Historically, Roanoke is known for its flood risks with frequent heavy rains and its location within the Roanoke Valley. Over the past 30 years, Roanoke has faced several notable natural disasters. Hurricane Fran in 1996, remnants of Hurricane Ivan in 2004, and Hurricane Florence in 2018 have all impacted Roanoke, typically with heavy rain leading to flooding. The most devastation occurred during the flood of November 1985, caused by the remnants of Hurricane Juan, resulting in the Roanoke River and its tributaries overflowing their banks and causing catastrophic damage. In the worst-case scenario, the confluence of a slow-moving storm and excessive rainfall could repeat history and result in similar flooding situations. Given these factors, Roanoke residents should always remain alert and prepared throughout hurricane season, despite their distance from the coast.






This page shows the hurricane evacuation zone for Roanoke, 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 Roanoke, 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.