County: Smyth
ZIP Codes: 24370
Saltville, Virginia, while relatively inland and far from the coast, is not fully immune to the threats associated with hurricanes. Situated approximately 300 miles from the Atlantic coast, hurricanes reaching this area would have significantly decreased in intensity, reducing the risk of extreme winds. However, one of the primary concerns for Saltville would be heavy rainfall that could result in flooding. The town is situated in a hilly region at a higher elevation which can intensify rain runoff and increase the likelihood of flash floods. Historically, Saltville has seen its share of flooding, most notably from remnants of hurricanes and tropical storms. For instance, remnants of hurricane Camille in 1969 caused devastating floods in Southwest Virginia areas. More recently, in 2020, the area was affected by rain from Hurricane Sally, though, no major flooding or damage was recorded. It's worth noting that while Saltville may not bear the direct brutal force of hurricanes, the aftermath of these systems in the form of sustained, heavy rainfall can and has historically caused some significant flooding in the area.