County: Augusta
ZIP Codes: 24467
Mount Sidney, Virginia, is a mainland town located in the Shenandoah Valley, which puts it at a significantly decreased risk for direct hurricane impacts compared to coastal cities of Virginia. However, that doesn't totally exempt it from experiencing peripheral impacts of hurricanes, specifically torrential downpours that can lead to river and flash flooding. Its elevation level of 1,260 feet above sea level gives it a level of protection from storm surges, a typical debilitating effect of coastal hurricanes. But given its location near Middle River and the North River, sizable rainfall from a hurricane system could still potentially lead to river overflow. Historically, Hurricane Fran (1996) and Hurricane Isabel (2003) both caused significant flooding in areas of the Shenandoah Valley, demonstrating the potential impact of such events on the region. In these instances, localized flooding caused by extreme rainfall was the main issue, rather than storm surge or tropical-storm-force winds. Even though hurricanes tend to weaken considerably by the time they reach this inland, their remnants can still hold enough moisture to cause significant rainfall, particularly if they move slowly or stall over the area. Hence, familiarizing with local evacuation plans, and preparing for power outages and possible interruptions in essential services, are sensible precautions for Mount Sidney residents.