County: Meriwether
ZIP Codes: 31816, 31830
As a town geographically situated in central Virginia, Manchester experiences distant effects of coastal hurricanes but does not typically bear the full brunt of these storms. However, this does not mean that hurricanes pose no threat to Manchester. What poses a certain risk to this area during a hurricane event full of potential heavy rains is its relative lower elevation, which can make the town prone to flash flooding, particularly around the James River area. Historically, storms bringing heavy rains have resulted in increased water levels on the James River, leading to local floods and damage to infrastructure. In the past 30 years, major hurricanes that have directly influenced the weather scenario in Manchester include Hurricane Isabel in 2003 and Hurricane Gaston in 2004. Isabel caused significant wind damage, power outages, and minor flooding, while Gaston brought severe local flooding conditions to Richmond's metropolitan area, including Manchester. The remnants of Hurricane Matthew in 2016 also caused severe flooding in the region. As such examples illustrate, hurricanes and the consequent flooding should be taken seriously in the region and the residents must remain prepared for such weather scenarios.