County: Dickenson
ZIP Codes: 24228
Clintwood, tucked away in the mountains of southwestern Virginia, is relatively shielded from the high-intensity impacts that hurricanes have along coastal regions. However, this town, despite being over 200 miles from the coast, could still experience significant rainfall and strong winds from a decaying hurricane system, particularly if the storm tracks inland. Being situated within Dickenson County, Clintwood's elevation (1,421 feet with surrounding areas reaching up to 2,000 feet) can compound the threat of flash flooding and landslides, which can cause severe damage to property, infrastructure, and potentially loss of life. Historically, Clintwood and the wider region have suffered from the remnants of hurricanes with a strong propensity for the town's rivers and streams to flood. While it's more at risk from extratropical cyclones than tropical systems, Clintwood has experienced hurricanes and severe weather patterns in the past 30 years. The most significant of these include Hurricane Isabel in 2003 which caused widespread damage across Virginia. In 2004, remnants of Hurricane Frances and Ivan also had significant impacts, including landslides and localized flooding. More recently in 2020, Hurricane Isaias's remnants led to significant rainfall, albeit mainly impacting coastal regions. Clintwood's historical and current flood zones data indicate a level of vulnerability that should be taken into account for emergency planning and public safety. The town must be prepared for potential infrastructural disruptions and flash flooding despite its inland distance from the coast.