City of Norfolk hurricane guide¶

The City of Norfolk Department of Emergency Management plans for hurricanes and tidal flooding. Norfolk says every home and business in the city is in evacuation Zone A, B, or C, and that you may only need to leave Zone A for a safer zone. Storm surge and tidal flooding are the main risks, so find your zone before a storm.

Checked on October 9, 2026

Every phone number and web address on this page was checked against official sources on that date. Details can change, especially during a storm. Always follow instructions from City of Norfolk Department of Emergency Management. In a life threatening emergency, call 911.

What to know in City of Norfolk¶

Norfolk's flood page describes storm surge flooding from hurricanes and nor'easters and regular tidal flooding. For flooding information call 757-664-6510.

Emergency and information numbers¶

Service	Number	Notes
Emergency	911	Police, fire, and ambulance. Call only when someone's life or property is in danger.
Emergency management office	757-441-5584	Norfolk Department of Emergency Management. Not for emergencies.
Citizen information center (during emergencies)	757-664-6510	Norfolk CARES. Help finding your zone, flooding information, and shelter questions.
Police non-emergency	757-441-5610	For police matters that are not emergencies.
Road and traffic conditions (VA511)	511	Evacuation routes and road closures.

Official alerts and information¶

Norfolk Alert: The city's primary alert method. Free alerts by text, email, or phone. Sign up before a storm. Website.
Norfolk Emergency Management: The city's official emergency management page. Website.

Evacuation zones¶

Norfolk says there is no Zone D in the city: every home and business is in Zone A, B, or C. Officials call evacuations by zone, and you may only need to move to a safer zone rather than leave the region. The city says to follow posted evacuation route signs and official directions rather than GPS apps, and that a mandatory evacuation means you must leave and staying is at your own risk. Call Norfolk CARES at 757-664-6510 if you need help finding your zone.

Look up your evacuation zone

Evacuation centers¶

Open only when announced

Evacuation centers open only when officials announce them, and not every center opens for every storm. Check the official list of open centers before you leave home. Bring your own bedding, food, water, and medicines.

Norfolk announces shelters through the city website, city social media, Norfolk Alert, Norfolk CARES at 757-664-6510, and local media. The city says not all shelters may be open during an event and that you should use shelters only as a last resort. Its standing list names two primary shelters, and both are pet friendly (bring your pet's vaccine record and supplies). Being on the list does not mean a shelter is open. Do not expect a cot: bring bedding, food for special diets, and other supplies.

Official list of open evacuation centers

These are locations the county has used or designated as evacuation centers. They are listed for planning only.

Name	Address	Serves
Norview High School	6501 Chesapeake Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23513	General, Pets allowed
Southside STEM Academy	1106 Campostella Rd, Norfolk, VA 23523	General, Pets allowed

Help to evacuate¶

Norfolk CARES: Call for help finding your zone, flooding information, and shelter and pet shelter questions. Phone: 757-664-6510. Website.

Sources¶

Checked on October 9, 2026. If a number or address here is wrong, please tell us at Keith@KMyers.me.