County: Henry
ZIP Codes: 24168, 24055
Stanleytown, Virginia, while distanced from the immediate coastline, remains subject to potential hurricane impacts mainly due to its position in the inland river valleys. The Smith River, in particular, has been a historical source of flooding for the region, largely in the aftermath of heavy rainfall brought by tropical cyclones or their remnants. The town's relatively low elevation also increases its susceptibility to flooding. The effects of hurricanes often extend to torrential rains and high-speed winds that can lead to structural damages, power outages, and blocked roads due to falling trees or other debris, therefore residents should especially prioritize property protection and ensuring they have emergency plans in place. In terms of a historical perspective, Hurricane Fran in 1996 brought heavy rainfall to the region, resulting in extensive flooding due to the swollen Smith River. More recently, remnants of Hurricanes Ivan in 2004 and Michael in 2018 also caused significant flooding in Stanleytown and nearby communities, once again highlighting the need for town residents to remain constantly alert and prepared for storm impacts and subsequent flood risks, particularly given the increasing intensity and frequency of tropical weather systems due to climate change.