County: Tattnall
ZIP Codes: 30421, 30417
Manassas, Virginia, while not situated on the coast, is still significantly vulnerable to the impacts of hurricanes and tropical storms. Given its distance from the coast, Manassas mostly experience remnants of hurricanes which typically include heavy rainfall and high winds. This could lead to localized flash flooding, especially along streams and in low-lying areas. While the town elevation varies, the overall average is relatively low, which increases its susceptibility to such flooding. Historically, Manassas has had to deal with overrun bodies of water, caused by either hurricane-related rainfall or the subsequent run-off from higher areas. Over the last 30 years, there have been a few notable incidents of hurricane-driven floods in Manassas. Hurricane Fran (1996) and Hurricane Isabel (2003) were particularly impactful, causing significant rainfall and flood damage. In both events, numerous roads were closed due to high water, and many homes were affected by floodwaters, particularly those near bodies of water like Cannon Branch and Flat Branch. The most destructive of these was perhaps the floods resulting from Tropical Storm Lee in 2011, which led to severe flooding and damage throughout the town. These historic events underscore the potential for significant hurricane-related impacts in Manassas, Virginia.