County: Clarke
ZIP Codes: 20135
Shenandoah Retreat, Virginia, while inland and somewhat protected by its distance from the Virginia coastline, is not immune to the threats posed by hurricanes. In fact, post-landfall hurricanes can bring substantial rainfall to the area, leading to flooding, especially along the rivers and streams. Given the hilly terrain in this part of Northern Virginia, a significant concern is flash flooding from rapid rainfall. Another concern is strong winds, which can down trees, leading to power outages and physical damage to properties. The elevated terrain can exacerbate wind-related impacts, with higher wind speeds at the peaks and ridges. Looking at the last 30 years of weather history, the most significant hurricanes impacting Shenandoah Retreat include Hurricane Fran in 1996 and Hurricane Isabel in 2003. Both of these storms led to heavy rainfall and widespread wind damage. Major flooding is rare, but notable exceptions include the September 1996 flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Fran and the June 2006 flooding associated with a stalled front over the area. While these events are relatively infrequent, the impact can be severe, so it is essential to have a preparedness plan and take hurricane and flood warnings seriously.