County: Oglethorpe
ZIP Codes: 30648
Lexington, Virginia, while considerably inland and at a high elevation, is not completely immune from hurricane threats. The town, nestled in the Shenandoah Valley and surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, is approximately 180 miles from the coast. This inland position often lessens the severity of the hurricane by the time it reaches the area. Nevertheless, residual strong winds, heavy rain, and the potential for tornadoes formed from the hurricane's bands can cause significant damage. Historical flood risk due to hurricanes and tropical storms is high in this region, exemplified by the flooding caused by Hurricanes Camille (1969) and Isabel (2003). Prolonged periods of heavy rain can add strain to the Maury River and its tributaries, leading to localized flooding. Lexington has also experienced flash flooding due to the same conditions. Looking at the hurricanes in the last 30 years, Tropical Storm Ernesto in 2006 and Hurricane Isabel in 2003 caused significant flooding in parts of the city. In August 2020, the remnant of Hurricane Laura dumped heavy rain on the region, leading to flash flooding. Residents should note that these weather events do not happen frequently, but they should still be prepared for potential impacts. This includes following evacuation orders in flood-prone areas, securing or moving property to a higher elevation, and securing outdoor objects that might be swept away or damaged in strong winds. Predicting the path and intensity of a hurricane can be uncertain, so it is always best to err on the side of caution based on forecasts.