County: Accomack
ZIP Codes: 23418
Onley, Virginia, situated around 10 miles from the Eastern Virginia coastline, faces a moderate to high risk from hurricane impacts, with flooding being a principal concern. Given its relative proximity to the coast, storm surges from the Atlantic Ocean, especially during powerful hurricanes, can push monumental amounts of water up into rivers and tributaries, leading to widespread flooding. While the town's elevation, typically less than 50 feet above sea level, is not particularly low, it can still be vulnerable to severe rainfall events associated with hurricanes, leading to further flooding. Additionally, strong hurricane-force winds and the possibility of tornadoes, which can be spawned by landfalling hurricanes, pose a threat to infrastructure and vegetation in the area. Historically, Onley has been impacted by several major hurricanes and floods over the past 30 years. The most notable include Hurricane Isabel in 2003 which caused widespread damage and flooding throughout Eastern Virginia, and Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the latter of which resulted in torrential rainfall, extensive flooding, and significant damage in the village and surrounding areas. As a result of these past events, there is now a heightened awareness of the need for comprehensive hurricane preparedness plans and continual monitoring of storm patterns during the Atlantic hurricane season.