Virginia's Winter Woe: FEMA Steps In for Storm Safety Net
Published Date: 5/6/2026
Notice
Summary
A big winter storm hit Virginia starting January 22, 2026, causing serious problems. The President declared an emergency on January 23, so FEMA can help with lifesaving and safety efforts. Virginia can get federal help covering 75% of eligible costs to protect people and property during this tough time.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Federal Emergency Declared for Virginia
The President declared an emergency for the Commonwealth of Virginia on January 23, 2026, because a severe winter storm began on January 22, 2026. FEMA is authorized to provide emergency protective measures (Category B) as direct Federal assistance under the Public Assistance program for the entire Commonwealth of Virginia.
Federal Share: 75% of Eligible Costs
Under this declaration, any Federal funds provided under the Stafford Act for Public Assistance will be limited to 75 percent of the total eligible costs. The declaration was issued January 23, 2026.
Disaster Housing Assistance Available
The declaration lists Disaster Housing Assistance to Individuals and Households (CFDA 97.048, 97.049, 97.050) for use in Virginia following the January 22–23, 2026 storm. Virginia residents may be able to use these housing assistance programs as funds are reported and drawn under the declaration.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance Offered
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (CFDA 97.034) is listed for use in Virginia under this emergency declaration issued January 23, 2026. Workers in Virginia who lose income because of the storm may be able to apply for this specific disaster unemployment program.
Hazard Mitigation and Public Assistance Programs
The declaration lists Disaster Grants—Public Assistance (CFDA 97.036) and Hazard Mitigation Grant (CFDA 97.039) for use in Virginia following the storm beginning January 22, 2026, with the declaration issued January 23, 2026. These programs can support public infrastructure repairs and hazard mitigation projects in the state.
Crisis Counseling and Legal Help Available
The declaration identifies Crisis Counseling (CFDA 97.032) and Disaster Legal Services (CFDA 97.033) as programs to be used for Virginia after the January 22–23, 2026 storm. Affected Virginia residents may access crisis counseling and disaster-related legal help under these programs.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15944, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
New or modified Base (1-percent annual chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, and/or regulatory floodways (hereinafter referred to as flood hazard determinations) as shown on the indicated Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) for each of the communities listed in the table below are finalized. Each LOMR revises the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and in some cases the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports, currently in effect for the listed communities.
2026-15946, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
New or modified Base (1-percent annual chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, and/or regulatory floodways (hereinafter referred to as flood hazard determinations) as shown on the indicated Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) for each of the communities listed in the table below are finalized. Each LOMR revises the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and in some cases the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports, currently in effect for the listed communities.
2026-15943, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
Comments are requested on proposed flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of any Base Flood Elevation (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundary or zone designation, or regulatory floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports for the communities listed in the table below. The purpose of this notice is to seek general information and comment regarding the preliminary FIRM, and where applicable, the FIS report that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided to the affected communities. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that the community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
2026-15942, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
Flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports have been made final for the communities listed in the table below. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that a community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having an effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
2026-15938, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
Comments are requested on proposed flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of any Base Flood Elevation (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundary or zone designation, or regulatory floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports for the communities listed in the table below. The purpose of this notice is to seek general information and comment regarding the preliminary FIRM, and where applicable, the FIS report that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided to the affected communities. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that the community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
2026-15941, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
Flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports have been made final for the communities listed in the table below. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that a community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having an effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08830, Virginia; Amendment No. 1 to Notice of an Emergency Declaration
Virginia’s emergency declaration from January 23, 2026, just got an official update! The emergency period officially ended on January 27, 2026, which means the state can now access specific federal disaster funds to help with recovery. This amendment keeps the support flowing smoothly for folks affected by the emergency.
Next: 2026-08832, South Carolina; Amendment No. 1 to Notice of an Emergency Disaster Declaration
South Carolina’s emergency disaster declaration from January 2026 just got an important update! The official emergency period ended on January 27, 2026, which means the state can now access specific federal funds to help with recovery efforts. This change helps South Carolina move forward with disaster loans, housing aid, counseling, and more, so folks can rebuild faster and stronger.