County: Heard
ZIP Codes: 30217
Franklin, Virginia, while nestled around 50 miles inland from the coast, is still susceptible to extreme weather conditions posed by hurricanes. Its relatively flat elevation and position beside the Blackwater River adds a considerable risk of flooding during and following intense and extended rainfall that accompanies hurricanes. Historically, Franklin has been hit by flooding from storms like Hurricane Floyd in 1999 which resulted in severe damage, and more recently, Hurricane Matthew in 2016 that led to a state of emergency declaration due to significant rainfall and subsequent flooding. Major hurricanes, including those that do not directly strike Virginia, can still cause severe local weather in Franklin, leading to widespread power outages, downed trees and other infrastructural damage. Strong winds associated with hurricane conditions, coupled with saturated ground from intense rainfall, increases the risk of downed trees and power lines, which could cause power outages and obstruct roads. The high precipitation rates may overwhelm local drainage capacity, resulting in flash flooding or exacerbating ongoing flood situations. Town residents are advised to stay updated on the latest weather information, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season and to have emergency plans in place.