At Goodrich & Watson Insurers, we are committed to protecting the homes and livelihoods of our clients in Newport News and across Hampton Roads. Living in a coastal community, we face unique risks—none more pressing than hurricanes and flooding. Yet, many homeowners remain unprepared.
Despite the increasing frequency of severe weather events like Hurricanes Helene and Milton, only about 4% of Americans carry flood insurance. That leaves many exposed to catastrophic loss. According to The Weather Company and Atmospheric G2, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season may not be as active as last year, but the risk of U.S. landfalls remains higher than average.
Their just-released forecast expects:
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19 named storms
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9 hurricanes
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4 major hurricanes (Category 3 or stronger)
These numbers remain well above the 30-year seasonal average.
Why Flood Insurance Matters in Hampton Roads
Flooding isn’t limited to the coastline. In Hampton Roads, heavy rainfall, storm surges, and overflowing rivers put homes across the region at risk. Unfortunately, standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.
That’s where flood insurance plays a critical role—protecting your most valuable asset when water damage strikes.
How to Strengthen Your Home Against Wind and Water
In addition to proper insurance coverage, taking proactive steps can help minimize hurricane and flood damage. Here’s how to better prepare your home:
1. Strengthen Your Structure
Install metal connectors to tie the roof, walls, and foundation together. Make sure porches and decks are anchored securely. Use wind-rated materials for roofing, doors, and windows.
2. Fortify Your Home’s Exterior (“The Envelope”)
Protect siding, roofing, windows, doors, and garage doors with storm shutters, impact-resistant glass, and reinforced panels.
3. Secure Loose Items Outside
Anything not anchored—patio furniture, grills, garden tools—should be brought inside or tied down. These can become dangerous projectiles in high winds.
4. Shut Off Utilities
Know where the gas, electricity, and water shutoff valves are. Turn them off before a storm to prevent fires, flooding, or contamination.
5. Prepare for Water & Power Outages
Fill bathtubs with water for flushing toilets and hygiene. Freeze quart-size bags of water to keep food cold and provide backup drinking water.
Don’t Wait Until a Storm Is in the Forecast
With hurricane activity predicted to remain above average, now is the time to review your insurance coverage. Flood insurance policies typically take 30 days to go into effect, so planning ahead is key.
At Goodrich & Watson Insurers, we’re here to help you assess your risk and find the right protection for your home. Whether you live near the water or farther inland, let’s make sure you’re covered before the next storm rolls in.
Need flood or home insurance in Virginia?
Contact us today to explore your options.
