County: Augusta
ZIP Codes: 22952, 24477
Though Sherando, Virginia, is located around 150 miles inland from the coast, it is still susceptible to the effects of hurricanes, specifically torrential rain and resultant flooding. The town's elevation is relatively low, with much of it sitting below 1,000 feet, which makes it vulnerable to flood conditions during extreme weather events. Among the most significant impacts from hurricanes are the potential for high wind gusts capable of downing trees and power lines, and heavy rainfall which may cause flash flooding, particularly around creeks and low-lying areas. In historical context, the largest impact in recent memory in Sherando and its surrounding region was from the remnants of Hurricane Camille in 1969, which resulted in devastating floods. Though this event happened more than 30 years ago, it's important to keep such incidents in mind for preparation purposes. More recently, in 2020, remnants of Hurricane Isaias caused widespread damage in Virginia although Sherando was less impacted directly. Hurricane Fran in 1996 caused record flooding in parts of Virginia. For Sherando, preparedness for extreme wind, heavy rain, and flooding are all crucial in the face of hurricane threats.