County: Tazewell
ZIP Codes: 24605, 24606
Boissevain, Virginia, is located approximately 280 miles inland from the nearest coast, reducing but not entirely eliminating the potential for direct impact from hurricanes. However, being inland doesn't shield the town completely from a hurricane's grip, as it can still experience heavy rains, high-speed winds, and even tornadoes spawned from a nearby hurricane. The town sits at an elevation of approximately 2,000 feet, meaning storm surge, a typical coastal impact of hurricanes, is generally not a major concern, but heavy rainfall from a hurricane can still lead to flooding, especially in lower-lying areas. Looking at historical hurricane impacts, Boissevain hasn't been directly hit by a major hurricane in the past 30 years. However, peripheral effects from several hurricanes, including hurricanes Fran (1996) and Isabel (2003), were experienced in the region, leading to heavy rains and strong winds. Boissevain also doesn't have a long history of major flooding events, but due to its location in the Appalachian Mountains, there is still the potential risk for flash flooding or landslides associated with heavy rainfall from a hurricane. Residents should be prepared and have an evacuation or shelter-in-place plan for these potential hazards during hurricane season.