County: Accomack
ZIP Codes: 23414, 23308
Nelsonia, Virginia, is located approximately 15 miles inland from the coast and while it doesn't bear the direct initial impact of a hurricane's landfall, it is by no means immune to the adverse weather effects that can accompany such systems. The town is also situated relatively flat in terms of elevation, which increases the risk of flooding during heavy rains. The main hazard for Nelsonia in the event of a hurricane is generally heavy precipitation, which could lead to both flash and gradual flooding, especially given that the town's topography does not facilitate quick water runoff. High winds could also cause damage especially to non-permanent structures and trees, potentially causing power outages and road blockages. In terms of historical impact, Hurricane Floyd in 1999 caused significant impacts across Virginia, including in areas like Nelsonia. While not coastal, Nelsonia received heavy rains that lead to localized flooding in the district. More recently, Hurricane Matthew in 2016 also brought heavy rains to the region that caused minor flooding. Therefore, it is evident that despite not being directly on the coast, Nelsonia is not spared from the impacts of hurricanes, including dangerous flooding and high-speed winds. Consequently, Nelsonia's emergency response plan must actively factor in threats from these weather systems and focus on effective water management and power restoration.