County: Bedford
ZIP Codes: 24526



Big Island, Virginia, is located over 170 miles from the Virginia Coast, so direct impacts from storm surges of hurricanes are less likely. However, the town is not immune to the effects of a hurricane due to its proximity to the James River and the associated risk of inland flooding. The rainfall associated with hurricanes can lead to high river levels and flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas or those near bodies of water. Given its elevation, which largely ranges from about 600 to 800 feet, some parts of the town could be prone to landslides triggered by heavy rains. Historically, while Big Island may not often be in the direct path of major hurricanes, it has still been impacted by notable storms over the past 30 years. For example, in 2004, remnants of Hurricane Ivan resulted in significant rainfall in the area, causing wide-spread flooding. In 2011, Hurricane Irene also struck all of Eastern America, causing flooding and wind damage in Big Island. Furthermore, the town experienced significant flooding in 1985 during Hurricane Juan. Thus, while Big Island's inland location and relative elevation gives it some protection against hurricane threats, the potential for extreme rainfall, flash flooding, and landslide risks still exists and should not be overlooked.






This page shows the hurricane evacuation zone for Big Island, 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 Big Island, 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.