County: Accomack
ZIP Codes: 23421
Pastoria, Virginia, although situated about 60 miles away from the coast, could be vulnerable to hurricane threats due to its relatively low elevation. This inland community is just above sea level, and as a result, may be susceptible to significant rainfall and possible flooding brought by hurricanes, especially in the case of slow-moving or stalled systems. Furthermore, the vicinity to several watersheds like the Blackwater, Nottoway, and Meherrin rivers could amplify the flood risk during periods of substantial rainfall. Understanding that hurricanes can cause substantial wind damage, power outages, and even spawn tornadoes, these must also be considered in the overall hurricane threat risk for Pastoria. Historically, Pastoria has felt the effects of several major hurricanes and flooding events over the past 30 years. Perhaps the most memorable was Hurricane Floyd in 1999, which caused unprecedented rainfall and subsequent flooding across the southeastern part of Virginia, including Pastoria. More recently, Hurricane Matthew in 2016, although not directly hitting the town, caused significant rainfall leading to minor flooding in some areas. Predicting the exact impacts for specific locations like Pastoria remains challenging, but using historical information can help guide preparations and response strategies for future storm events.