County: Floyd
ZIP Codes: 24091
Floyd, Virginia, is highly susceptible to indirect hurricane impacts due to its inland location and substantial elevation, which stands at 2,500 feet above sea level. Coming from the Atlantic, hurricanes usually downsize to tropical storms by the time they reach Floyd, however, this doesn't diminish the potential for damage caused by heavy rainfall and corresponding flooding. Further, the town's position on the Blue Ridge Parkway elevates the risk of landslides and debris flows during significant rainfall events. Hurricanes typically bring powerful winds which, combined with the town's mountainous terrain, can cause landslides and fallen trees, thereby endangering life and property. Historically, Floyd has been affected by various hurricanes and consequential floods over the past 30 years. One of the most notable events was Hurricane Fran in 1996 which caused significant flooding. Accurate historical recordings of all such storms are essential to identifying patterns and predicting future events, and they play a crucial role in planning and preparation for such natural disasters. More recently, in 2018, Hurricane Michael impacted Floyd as a tropical storm, bringing landslide-inducing rainfall. Floyd's susceptibility to these events underlines the importance of proactive readiness measures to minimize potential damage and ensure the safety of the local populace.