County: Northampton
ZIP Codes: 23413
Nassawadox, Virginia, is situated away from the immediate coastline, but close enough (approximately 5 miles) to be substantially impacted by hurricanes, tropical storms, or associated conditions, like heavy rainfall, storm surges, and high winds. The flat terrain and low elevation of the town, typically characteristic of Virginia's Eastern Shore, also increase the potential risk of flooding—especially if the peak of the storm coincides with high tides or heavy rain. Furthermore, the close proximity to the Chesapeake Bay to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east exposes Nassawadox to substantial moisture and storm surges that can compound flooding and wind damage. The last 30 years have seen several major hurricanes and floods affecting the region. Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and Hurricane Isabel in 2003 provided significant instances of such events, with both storms leading to substantial flooding and wind damage. Most recently, Hurricane Dorian in 2019 led to strong winds, surge and flash flooding, causing property damage and disruptions to transportation and power services in the wider Eastern Shore area. Despite Nassawadox's internal geography offering some protection from the immediate effects of coastal storms, residents should still be prepared for possible direct hits and the associated dangers like flooding, wind damage, and power outages.