Prince William County hurricane guide¶

The Prince William County Office of Emergency Management, part of the Department of Fire and Rescue, sends emergency alerts through PWC Alerts and posts storm information on the county Emergency Information page. The county does not have pre-designated coastal hurricane evacuation zones, but it can see storm surge along the tidal Potomac River and inland flooding of area waterways. People in flood-prone or low-lying areas, particularly along the Potomac and Occoquan Rivers, should be ready to move to higher ground during a major hurricane.

What to know in Prince William County¶

• Prince William County says the Virginia evacuation zones A to D do not apply in the county, but it can still have storm surge along the Potomac River and inland freshwater flooding. The county's lookup tool shows whether a property is in a FEMA floodplain or a Virginia Storm Surge Zone.

Emergency and information numbers¶

Official alerts and information¶

• PWC Alerts: Free alerts by text, email, or phone, including weather alerts. Sign up before a storm and add your home and work addresses. Website.
• Prince William County Emergency Information: The county's official page for active emergencies, damage reports, and storm information. Website.
• Prince William County hurricanes and tropical storms: The county's hurricane guidance, including flood and storm surge lookup. Website.

Evacuation centers¶

Prince William County says that if you are asked to evacuate, local officials will tell you which routes to use and what shelters or evacuation facilities are available. The county's alerts say shelter or other mass care openings and locations are shared through its alert channels and the Emergency Information page during an emergency. Do not go anywhere until a shelter is announced. If you are not told to evacuate, have supplies for several days in case you lose power and water or are blocked in by flooding.

Official list of open evacuation centers

Cities and towns¶

Each city has its own services and some have their own alerts. The county's evacuation zones, evacuation centers, and emergency alerts cover everyone, in every city and in unincorporated areas.

Related guides¶

• Should I evacuate?
• What to expect at a hurricane shelter
• Hurricane supply list
• After a hurricane: the first 24 hours
• Insurance claims and disaster aid

Sources¶

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

• https://www.pwcva.gov/department/office-emergency-management/hurricanes
• https://www.pwcva.gov/department/emergency
• https://www.pwcva.gov/department/police
• https://511virginia.org/
• https://www.pwcva.gov/department/office-emergency-management/emergency-alert-system