County: Page
ZIP Codes: 22851
Stanley, Virginia, located approximately 170 miles inland from the Atlantic Coast and at an elevation of around 958 feet, does not face the same immediate threat from hurricanes and tropical storms as coastal areas do. Hurricanes can still pose a significant threat to this area, but their primary risks are associated with heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding, high winds causing structural damage, and sporadic tornadoes spawned from the storm systems. Historically, the town has experienced only moderate to low levels of flood risk. However, with the changing climate scenario, the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events may increase, presenting potential alterations to that risk profile. In terms of historical hurricane impacts, remnants of hurricanes like Camille (1969) swept through the area, causing destructive floods in the far past. More recently, hurricanes like Fran (1996), Isabel (2003), and remnants of Hurricane Floyd (1999) conveyed severe wind and rain impacts to Virginia, including parts of Stanley, leading to widespread power outages and minor to moderate flood damage. Therefore, while Stanley's inland location and elevation offer some protective benefits against hurricane threats, it's still susceptible to substantial indirect hazards such as flooding due to high rainfall and damaging winds. Future planning and preparedness should duly reflect these considerations.