County: Staunton
ZIP Codes: 24401, 24402
Staunton, Virginia, while located a significant distance from the coast, is not entirely immune from hurricanes and the remnants of these storms. Its inland location in the western part of the state does provide some buffer from the immediate coastal impacts such as storm surge; however, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and subsequent inland flooding still pose potential threats. Staunton's modest elevation, being nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, presents a risk of low-lying flood zones, especially considering the town's proximity to bodies of water such as Lewis Creek and the Shenandoah River. Historically, several hurricanes and tropical storms have had an impact on Staunton, bringing heavy rainfall and strong wind gusts, though it has been spared the direct hit from a major hurricane. Notably, remnants of Hurricane Fran in 1996 and Hurricane Isabel in 2003 resulted in considerable flooding and damage in the Shenandoah Valley. Additionally, the town was affected by 2001’s Tropical Storm Allison and more recently Hurricane Florence in 2018, which caused excessive rainfall across much of Virginia. Due to these potential impacts, it is crucial for residents to heed warnings and stay prepared during the Atlantic hurricane season.