County: Bedford
ZIP Codes: 24523



Bedford, Virginia does lie inland, approximately 200 miles from the coast, but this does not entirely insulate it from the threat of hurricanes. Hurricanes that reach the shore can still carry significant strength as they travel inland, given that the lower elevations of Bedford (around 883- 1046 feet above sea level) do not lend much to disrupting these storms. The risk these storms pose to Bedford include strong winds, heavy precipitation, and subsequent flooding. Even if hurricanes have decreased to tropical storm status by the time they reach Bedford's longitude, the heavy rainfall they produce can lead to dangerous conditions, considering the town's historical susceptibility to floods. In terms of historical data, significant impacts include the remnants of Hurricane Fran in 1996 and of Hurricane Michael in 2018. Both storms unleashed heavy rainfall over the area, causing severe flooding. Hurricane Isabel in 2003 brought tropical storm conditions to Bedford, resulting in downed trees and power lines. The flood of 1985, resulting from Tropical Storm Juan is also a significant event in the history of Bedford, as it led to the biggest ever recorded flood damage in the town. With climate change and rising sea levels, it is possible that hurricanes reaching inland could become stronger and more frequent in the future, increasing Bedford's risk. It makes sense to have proper preparedness and response plans for such scenarios.






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