Pensacola, FL Business and Corporate Attorney News Archive

The catastrophic Flood of 1985 is a significant chapter in Virginia's history, particularly in the Roanoke Valley. Approximately 3,000 homes and 100 businesses sustained extensive damage, amounting to $200 million—equivalent to a staggering $600 million today. While Hurricane Juan was linked to the disaster, most Virginians simply recall it as the "Election Day Flood." This event prompted important civil litigation and real estate law discussions in the region.

Local lawyer James McCoy highlighted the need to grasp the meteorological factors that allowed the hurricane's moisture to generate such destructive rainfall on November 4. This understanding led to vital urban planning reforms in the Roanoke area. During the flood, the Roanoke River reached a record peak of 23.35 feet, with most fatalities resulting from rapid flash flooding. This underscores the complexities involved in fully assessing the disaster's impact.

As Virginia continues to evolve in the wake of the 1985 Flood, the lessons learned remain pertinent for today’s civil authorities and environmental planners.