County: Harris
ZIP Codes: 31811
Hamilton, Virginia, though not directly coastal, is susceptible to the impact of hurricanes as they move inland. In the past, hurricanes making landfall on the East Coast have caused severe rainfall in the region, leading to flooding. Hamilton resides in a flood prone area with multiple water sources in proximity, such as the Catoctin Creek and Goose Creek, which can potentially overflow during significant rain events. Hurricanes also bring strong winds, which can cause property damage and power outages. Historically, the town has felt the impacts of several major hurricanes and floods. For instance, Hurricane Isabel (2003) and Hurricane Irene (2011) caused considerable damage to Virginia, including Hamilton, even though they had weakened substantially after making landfall. Major flooding events have also occurred as a result of these hurricanes and smaller but intense rainfall events tied to tropical storms. As a town lying on relatively higher ground (approx. 540 feet elevation), Hamilton typically experiences less dire flood conditions than lower-lying areas. However, its residents should still prepare for potential flooding, structure damage and loss of utilities during hurricane events.