County: Grayson
ZIP Codes: 24333
Baywood, Virginia, though it is a fair distance from the coast, can still be significantly affected by major hurricanes and the subsequent rainfall that comes with these storms. Its location in the hilly region of the Appalachian mountains provides a level of protection against storm surge, however, heavy rains can provoke flash floods. The area's relatively high elevation, combined with the fact that it is landlocked, actually increases the risk of flash flooding, especially in the presence of dense forest cover which can exacerbate the effect of run-off during heavy precipitation. In the past 30 years, there have been a number of hurricanes that had a significant effect on Virginia, and by extension, Baywood. Hurricane Floyd in 1999 was one such storm, causing considerable damage throughout the state due to high wind speeds and heavy rainfall. Similarly, in 2018, Hurricane Michael caused substantial rainfall in Virginia, leading to flooding in many areas. While it's hard to isolate the specific impact to Baywood, it's crucial to underscore the potential for similar events in the future. The town must be prepared for the far-reaching effects of coastal hurricanes, which can include hazardous winds, heavy rainfall, power outages, and the threat of flash floods.