County: Charlotte
ZIP Codes: 23959
Phenix, Virginia, situated over 150 miles from the Atlantic coastline, remains relatively shielded from the most direct impacts of hurricanes. However, the town is not completely immune to indirect effects such as heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible tornadoes that are often associated with land-falling hurricanes. Phenix lies at an elevation of 600 feet which places it at lower risk for flooding in comparison to more coastal or low-lying regions. Nevertheless, persistent and heavy rainfall from a slow-moving or stalling tropical system could potentially cause localized flash flooding, particularly in low-lying or poor drainage areas around the town.
In terms of historical impacts, there are few major hurricanes that have left significant impacts in Phenix over the past 30 years. However, Hurricane Fran in 1996 and Hurricane Isabel in 2003 brought heavy rains to Virginia, which impacted the surrounding areas of Phenix. These hurricanes remind us that even though Phenix is relatively distant from the coast, it can still feel the effects of major hurricanes, particularly if they take a trajectory up the East Coast. Given Virginia's vulnerability to hurricanes, monitoring tropical activity in the Atlantic, particularly from August through October, and staying prepared with an emergency plan is advised.