County: Loudoun
ZIP Codes: 20166, 20105
Despite its inland location, Arcola, Virginia is not immune to the potential impacts of a hurricane. The primary risk factor for Arcola is heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding as opposed to more direct coastal threats such as storm surge. Significantly, Arcola's surrounding area consists of several petite streams which often overflow during heavy rain, posing an inherent risk for flooding. It should be noted that while Arcola is not in the immediate path of hurricanes making landfall, the remnants of these storms carried inland can still bring disastrous rainfall totals and powerful winds. In the past 30 years, significant hurricanes such as Hurricane Fran in 1996 and Isabell in 2003 have impacted Arcola, causing substantial rainfall, flooding, and wind damage. More recently, in 2018, remnants of Hurricane Florence brought heavy rain and caused flash flooding in parts of the city. The historical hurricane activities necessitate a preparedness plan for severe weather events. Thus, residents should remain attentive about high risk flooding zones, ensure their property has adequate insurance cover, maintain an emergency readiness kit, and plan for potential evacuation if necessary.