National Weather ServiceVirginiaHigh Surf AdvisoryArchive to October 1, 2026
High Surf Advisories in Virginia
The National Weather Service issued 6 high surf advisories for Virginia in 2025 and 8 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 12th most of any state. 2026 through September: 5, 5% below the average of 5 for those months in 2008-2025. Virginia Beach was covered most often (121 times since 2008).
How many high surf advisories does Virginia get?
Every high surf advisory that covered part of Virginia. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 5 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2017 | 12 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2011 | 2 |
| 2010 | 7 |
| 2009 | 11 |
| 2008 | 7 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Virginia get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Virginia?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | 121 | 22 | September 22, 2026 |
| Accomack | 109 | 25 | September 22, 2026 |
| Northampton | 98 | 21 | September 22, 2026 |
| Norfolk/Portsmouth | 1 | 0 | March 17, 2014 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a high surf advisory?
A high surf advisory means large, dangerous breaking waves and strong currents along the shore. An advisory is issued for a hazard less serious than a warning that can still cause inconvenience or danger if people are not careful. The national record · Every warning type in Virginia.