County: Dodge
ZIP Codes: 31012
Chester, Virginia, though interior in comparison to coastal cities, is not immune from the impacts of hurricanes. Located roughly 100 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, the area can experience substantial effects from hurricanes, including strong winds and heavy rains leading to flash flooding, especially when the storm moves slowly or stalls over the region. Chester's elevation, which averages about 75 feet above sea level, can exacerbate localized flooding, particularly in low-lying areas near water bodies such as the James River. It is crucial to plan for power outages as a result of strong winds and flooded roads and infrastructure due to heavy precipitation. Historically, Chester has been affected by major hurricanes and associated flooding. Some of the most notable incidents include Hurricane Fran in 1996 that caused extensive inland flooding, Hurricane Isabel in 2003 which resulted in prolonged power outages, and most recently, Hurricane Florence in 2018 which inflicted significant flooding and wind damage even though it made landfall in North Carolina. These instances, along with the significant flood event in 1995 unrelated to a tropical storm, emphasize the necessity for Chester's residents to prepare for hurricane threats, regardless of the distance from the coast.