County: Buchanan
ZIP Codes: 24656, 24614, 24631
Vansant, Virginia, lying more inland and situated at a high elevation, faces a moderate-level threat from hurricanes. Although the direct impact of hurricane winds and storm surges could be considered minimal due to its considerable distance from the coast, the real threat arises from significant rainfall leading to potential flash floods. As the town is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, the terrain could accelerate the flow of water, increasing the severity of flash floods. Historically, Vansant is prone to flooding as it resides in a floodplain, which requires a unique set of considerations for mitigation and preparation. Over the last 30 years, Vansant has been impacted by a number of weather events. Particularly noteworthy was Hurricane Fran in 1996 that affected the entire state, causing substantial rainfall and leading to flooding in Vansant. More recently, in 2018, the remnants of Hurricane Florence resulted in excessive rainfall, inducing floods that affected the community. Understanding the town's historical weather patterns and potential flood risk, residents should be prepared for future hurricanes, with a particular focus on being ready for flash flooding events.