County: Laurens
ZIP Codes: 31021, 31040
Dublin, Virginia, being located in the southwestern part of the state and about 220 miles inland from the East Coast, is somewhat sheltered from the immediate impacts of hurricanes. However, while the town doesn't often experience the direct hit of a hurricane, it can still be significantly affected by remnants of these systems in terms of severe rainfall and subsequent flooding. Elevation also plays a significant role, as Dublin consists of both flat and hilly areas. The hills can funnel water down into valleys, exacerbating flooding risks, while flat areas can be potentially prone to pooling water, especially if ground saturation is high. Historically, the town has seen substantial effects from severe weather, even from storms that made landfall many hundreds of miles away. Hurricane Fran in 1996 brought unprecedented rainfall to Dublin, causing significant flooding to the region. More recently, remnants of Hurricane Matthew in 2016 again caused severe flooding and damage in Dublin and surrounding areas due to significant rainfall. Due to its inland location, high wind damage in Dublin from hurricanes is less common, but heavy rains, flash flooding, and resultant property damage and risks to lives remain significant threats. Hence, appropriate flood preparedness measures are crucial for this area.