County: Essex
ZIP Codes: 22560
Tappahannock, situated approximately fifty miles away from the coastline of Virginia, is subjected to a moderate hurricane threat. Its inland location provides a buffer against the direct landfall impact of hurricanes. However, being situated near the Rappahannock River, the town has historically been prone to flooding exacerbated by high rain levels, which is a common side effect of hurricanes and tropical storms. Furthermore, Tappahannock's relatively low elevation, averaging around 50 feet above sea level, increases its vulnerability to flooding. Looking back to the last 30 years, Tappahannock has experienced several significant hurricane-related events. The most devastating of which was Hurricane Isabel in 2003, which resulted in widespread flooding and severe wind damage. Also noteworthy was Tropical Storm Ernesto in 2006, which caused considerable damage due to flooding. Hurricane Sandy in 2012, although it didn't landfall in Virginia, produced heavy precipitation leading to minor flooding in Tappahannock. Hence, even though the town does not frequently encounter direct hurricane hits, the related threats from heavy rain, strong winds, and resultant flooding remain significant and call for preparedness and resilient infrastructure.