County: Rockingham
ZIP Codes: 22841
Mount Crawford, Virginia, being approximately 150 miles inland and sitting at an elevation of approximately 1,160 feet, is largely sheltered from the direct impacts of hurricanes such as storm surge and high wind speeds that coastal regions experience. However, it is not entirely free of hurricane threats. When a hurricane progresses inland, it can lead to heavy rainfall in areas like Mount Crawford, which in turn can lead to flooding. Furthermore, saturated soils combined with high winds could lead to downed trees and power outages. Over the past 30 years, some hurricanes have brought significant rainfall to the region, impacting this town. Hurricane Fran in 1996 and remnants of Hurricane Isabel in 2003 led to heavy precipitation, causing flooding in areas across Virginia, potentially affecting Mount Crawford's homes, infrastructures, and roads. Now, while Mount Crawford does not lie within a designated flood zone, it's crucial for us not to ignore the threat, considering the town is surrounded by rivers and streams that can swell with heavy, persistent rainfall. Therefore, when assessing hurricane preparedness, it's vital to include plans for potential flooding and power outages in this region.