County: Louisa
ZIP Codes: 23117
Mineral, Virginia, though located approximately 100 miles from the coastline, is not entirely immune to the impacts of hurricanes. Typically, by the time these storms reach the area, they often have been significantly weakened; however, they can still carry potent remnants like heavy rainfall that can lead to flooding concerns, especially given the town's relatively low elevation. The torrential rain bands associated with these storms can also lead to flash floods in hilly or uneven terrain areas, which is another notable risk for this region. Besides flooding, high winds can also cause power outages, blocked roads due to fallen trees, and damage to properties. Furthermore, tornadoes -- one of the common but lesser-known effects of hurricanes -- can also be a threat, especially if the town finds itself on the right side of the storm's path. Historically, the town has experienced impacts from major hurricanes and floods. One of the most significant was Hurricane Fran in 1996, which dumped considerable rain on Virginia, leading to flash floods and widespread damage in the state. More recently, Hurricane Isabel in 2003 and the remnants of Hurricane Ivan in 2004 had profound impacts on the state. Specifically, Ivan resulted in record-breaking rains, leading to several flash floods. It's also worth mentioning that Mineral lies in Louisa County, where a 5.8 magnitude earthquake occurred in 2011 - while not caused by weather, it signifies a broader vulnerability to natural calamities. Hence, preparedness plans should account for these varying degrees of threats.