County: Wythe
ZIP Codes: 24382, 24360
Fort Chiswell, Virginia, located approximately 280 miles from Virginia's Atlantic Coast, is not at immediate risk from the direct coastal impacts of a hurricane such as storm surge. However, as hurricanes move inland, they can still bring heavy rainfall which can result in flash flooding, especially in areas near rivers, creeks, and streams. Fort Chiswell's average elevation is approximately 2200 feet, which adds a margin of safety against flooding from coastal storm surge but not against flash flooding. Furthermore, the area is surrounded by mountains which can lead to orographic precipitation, a factor that could potentially enhance rainfall and heighten the risk of flooding. Should high wind speeds associated with a hurricane also be a factor, the elevated location could increase vulnerability to these winds as well. Historically, Virginia has seen significant impact from hurricanes especially in the coastal areas. However, Fort Chiswell and the surrounding region of Southwest Virginia received considerable rainfall from remnants of hurricanes such as Hurricane Isabel (2003) and Hurricane Florence (2018). Tropical depression remnants and consecutive days of rain from other storms have also led to localized flooding incidents in the past 30 years. Thus, Fort Chiswell, despite its relative distance from the coast and higher elevation, should still prepare for possible impacts from, and secondary effects of, hurricanes including heavy rainfall, potential flooding, high winds, and associated power outages.