County: Botetourt
ZIP Codes: 24175
Due to its inland location in Botetourt County, approximately 200 miles from the Atlantic coast, Laymantown, Virginia does not experience direct hurricane hits, but the remnants of these systems often bring significant rainfall that can lead to flooding in the area. Furthermore, the town's moderate elevation, with an average altitude of 1168 feet, places it in a region susceptible to flash flooding during heavy rainfall events. It's also necessary to consider that heavy rain can loosen the soil, increasing the risk of landslides, which could cause damages in this mountainous region. Historically, wind damage from hurricanes has been much less of a concern for Laymantown than the risk of heavy rain and flooding. Over the last 30 years, the most significant hurricane impact to Laymantown was probably from remnants of Hurricane Fran in 1996, which brought record rainfall to the area, leading to significant flooding. Recently, Hurricane Michael in 2018 also had an impact with its wide swath of heavy rain. Recalling major flood events, the Roanoke River flood in May 1985 caused by extremely heavy rain from a tropical system greatly affected the nearby regions and serves as a reminder of Virginia's inland flood risk stemming from tropical cyclones. As climate patterns shift with the changing environment, it's crucial to monitor ongoing developments closely and prepare for such events to minimize potential damage.