County: Bedford
ZIP Codes: 24551



While Forest, Virginia isn't directly on the coastline, it is still susceptible to the effects of hurricanes due to its geographical location, approximately 184 miles from the coast. Hurricanes or any post-tropical cyclones moving up the U.S. East Coast can still cause substantial damage such as heavy rainfall, high winds, and possible flash flooding. Given the town's moderate elevation of approximately 919 feet, it's not entirely immune to the potential flood risks associated with heavy, persistent rain. The Blackwater Creek and other minor bodies of water within the vicinity could rise rapidly when substantial rainfall occurs, thereby heightening the risk of local flooding. Looking at the weather history of Forest, Virginia over the past 30 years, relatively few hurricanes have directly impacted the area. However, remnants of powerful storms have passed through or very near the town. Notably, Hurricane Fran in 1996 and Hurricane Isabel in 2003 were both major hurricanes that caused significant damage in Virginia, including heavy rains and flooding. Though not a hurricane, the historic flood of 1985 caused by the remnants of Hurricane Juan greatly impacted much of western Virginia, and serves as a reminder of the flooding potential from tropical systems. Therefore, citizens of Forest, Virginia should still have a preparedness plan for potential hurricane threats, with particular attention to the risks of flooding and wind damage.






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