County: Montgomery
ZIP Codes: 24141, 24073
Belview, Virginia's geographical location and elevation pose certain complexities when forecasting hurricane threats. Situated about 200 miles inland and approximately 2,000 feet above sea level, the town is not directly threatened by storm surges or coastal flooding that hurricanes typically bring. However, it is vulnerable to intense rainfall and potential river or flash flooding. One needs to also consider potential threats from high-speed winds, which could result in tree falls, damage to infrastructure, and power outages. Looking at historical data, Belview has been affected by several hurricanes and floods over the past 30 years. The most notable among these was Hurricane Fran in 1996. This Category 3 storm caused significant rainfall miles inland, leading to considerable flooding in Belview. Hurricane Isabel in 2003 and remnants of Hurricane Ivan in 2004 also impacted Belview with heavy rainfall and strong winds. Given these historical precedents, there is a need for continuous monitoring and robust emergency preparedness to minimize the impact from any forthcoming hurricanes.