County: Pulaski
ZIP Codes: 24324
Though Draper's distance from the coast of Virginia somewhat shields it from the direct landfall of hurricanes, the town is not completely immune to the effects of these storms. A significant risk associated with hurricanes for inland areas like Draper lies in the severe rainfall and wind expected as residual impacts of weakened, yet still potent storms. High winds can still cause considerable damage by downing trees and power lines, leading to extended power outages. Extreme rainfall can lead to flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas and places near water bodies. Considering that Draper is located near the New River, there's a significant risk for riverine flooding post-hurricane.
Looking back over the last 30 years or so, Draper and the larger Pulaski County have been influenced by several noteworthy weather events that have resulted in flooding. Particularly notable is the aftermath of Hurricane Isabel in 2003. Though less-common, the tail-end of hurricanes have also spawned tornadoes in Draper’s vicinity, such as with Hurricanes Frances and Ivan in 2004. In any potential hurricane-related weather event, the climate past of Draper indicates the importance for the local population to pay attention to weather forecasts and alerts, and to prepare for possible power outages and potential evacuation scenarios due to flood threats.