County: Rockbridge
ZIP Codes: 24435
Fairfield, Virginia, while not coastal, can still experience significant impacts from hurricanes and tropical storm systems. These impacts, especially with respect to flooding, are largely due to the varied topography and elevation levels of the town. Fairfield is nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, with portions of the town located in floodplain areas. Historically, in the wake of hurricane or tropical storm events, the big threat to Fairfield has been inland flooding, particularly along rivers and streams. Heavy rain associated with these large storm systems can transform these water bodies into fast-flowing, destructive currents that can cause considerable damage to homes, businesses, roads, and infrastructure. During the last 30 years, Fairfield was impacted by Hurricane Fran in 1996, which caused substantial floods and damage in the region. More recently, in 2018, the remnants of Hurricane Michael led to significant rainfall causing flash flooding in parts of Rockbridge County, which includes Fairfield. Preparing for these events, it's crucial for residents to focus on potential flooding impacts. Given the town's location, storm surge is not an issue. However, considering the often-rapid increase in river levels following heavy rain, emergency measures should focus on flood readiness, such as maintaining clean storm drains, planning for road closures due to flooding, and reinforcing structures in vulnerable areas.