County: Henrico
ZIP Codes: 23059, 23233
Short Pump, Virginia, while not located directly on the coast, is still susceptible to the impacts of hurricanes, particularly heavy rainfall and resulting floods. Despite its relatively safe distance of approximately 100 miles from the Virginia coastline, the town sits at a relatively low elevation, increasing its exposure to flood risks. Hurricanes or tropical systems moving into the area can bring torrential rain, leading to rapid water rise in local streams and creeks, causing flash flooding. Wind damage can also be a concern with strong hurricane systems, leading to power outages and property damage. Revisiting past hurricane events, data suggests that significant storms have been recorded in the last 30 years. Most notably, Hurricane Isabel in 2003 and Hurricane Irene in 2011 brought major disruptions due to heavy rain, strong winds and widespread flooding. Isabel resulted in severe wind damages that accounted for prolonged power outages. Irene, although lesser in intensity, caused widespread flooding due to heavy rainfall over an extended period. Homeowners and businesses in the area should still consider hurricane insurance in light of this historical data; and they should have a preparedness plan for possible heavy rainfall and wind related risks during hurricane season.