County: Southampton
ZIP Codes: 23874
Newsoms, Virginia, even though distanced somewhat inland from the Atlantic coast, has often experienced the after-effects of hurricanes, including heavy rainfall, flooding, strong winds, and intermittent power cuts. Despite its average elevation, lying just 92 feet above sea level, it can still be subject to the impacts of storm surge in severe cases, particularly along rivers and tributaries. Its infrastructure, including vital facilities such as healthcare centers, utilities, and transportation systems, is at potential risk in these heavy storm situations. It's also notable that saturated soil from prolonged rainfall can significantly increase the risk of falling trees and subsequent property damage. Of historical note, Hurricane Floyd in 1999 brought torrential rain to much of Virginia, including Newsoms, leading to substantial flooding that caused significant damage and disruption. More recently, in 2016, the remnants of Hurricane Matthew caused further extensive flooding in Virginia's low-lying areas. Thus, it's evident that Newsoms, despite being somewhat removed from the immediate coastal locations, has a historical risk of hurricane-related impacts that necessitates planning and preparation to mitigate potential future threats.