County: Cherokee
ZIP Codes: 30189, 30188
Woodstock, Virginia, located in the Shenandoah Valley and quite a distance from the coast, is most commonly indirectly impacted by hurricanes. The primary threats from a hurricane for this inland area are typically heavy rainfall, flooding, and high winds caused by remnants of a tropical storm. Being situated at about 860 feet in altitude mitigates tidal storm risk, but the river basins of the Shenandoah River and local creeks can lead to serious flooding concerns if a significant amount of rainfall occurs. Given the town's inland location, it rarely experiences the full force of hurricanes that batter the coast, but the weakening storms can still cause damage with their residual strength. However, historically, hurricanes have caused severe weather phenomena in Woodstock. Notably, remnants of Hurricane Fran in September 1996 led to one of the largest floods in the area's history, causing the Shenandoah River and local creeks to overflow. Most significantly, the town experienced serious damage to infrastructure and extensive waterlogging, resulting in considerable economic impact. Heavy rainfall from tropical storms like these can also result in flash flooding and mudslides, especially on steeper slopes and in areas with poor drainage. When hurricanes have tracked inland, winds have caused downed trees and power outages within the Woodstock area. Therefore, even though Woodstock does not typically bear a hurricane's initial brunt, the town should continue to consider the potential indirect risks associated with these powerful systems.