~ Climate change is fueling flooding impacts~

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – Climate change continues to exacerbate flooding impacts in Fairfax County and nationwide. Weather-related flooding is still the most common and costly natural disaster across the United States. Fairfax County’s ongoing efforts to mitigate flooding problems for residents can be found in the June 2026 Floodplain Management Plan (FMP) progress report. 

The plan, recently released by the DPWES Stormwater Management Program, provides an annual update on the implementation of flood mitigation actions and is a key requirement for the County’s participation in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS). 

Fairfax County’s Floodplain Management Plan is part of the Northern Virginia Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. It outlines 30 actions Fairfax County is implementing to mitigate flooding. 

Key updates for the 2026 Floodplain Management Plan include: 

• Fairfax County completed 22 flood mitigation projects ($4.3 million), reducing flood risk for 29 properties. Fifteen more projects ($85 million) are underway, ranging from drainage improvements to property acquisitions.
• Fairfax Count installed new gauges in Hybla Valley and upgraded the ALERT 2 warning system.
• Acquired and demolished the Swinks Mill property, and nine Barrett Road properties which are now preserved as open space.
• The County met with FEMA in May 2026 to discuss revisions to the Tripps Run map. A resolution is expected in Fall 2026.
• The County improved its Community Rating System (CRS) to Class 5, giving a 25% NFIP insurance discount starting October 2026.

VIEW Floodplain Management Plan (FMP) progress report

County Releases 2026 Repetitive Loss Area Analysis (RLAA) Progress Report

DPWES Stormwater Management also has released the 2026 Repetitive Loss Area Analysis Report - Progress Report, outlining the status of projects in flood-prone areas of Fairfax County. 

Highlights include:

• All five Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) properties have been acquired, demolished, and converted to open space, reducing long-term flood risk.
• Swinks Mill (RLA 15): Acquired 2024, demolished 2025 with FEMA funding; mitigated one (1) SRL property.
• Barrett Road (RLA 18): Nine (9) properties (one (1) RL, four (4) SRL) acquired and demolished in 2026; now open space.
• 10 repetitive loss properties have been mitigated; 100 remain unmitigated as of April 2026.
• Biannual mailings to property owners in repetitive-loss areas provide information on insurance, mitigation, and grants.
• Annual outreach and flood risk education for flood-prone areas.
• Adaptation of the Flood Risk Reduction Policy

VIEW Repetitive Loss Area Analysis Report

In 2024, the County adopted the Resilient Fairfax: Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan which targets weather and climate-related hazards such as flooding, extreme heat, and severe storms. The plan aims to educate the community and provide strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

For more information about flooding in Fairfax County, visit Flood Information | Public Works and Environmental Services.