County: Alleghany
ZIP Codes: 24422
Cliftondale Park, Virginia, features a unique storm threat profile due to its inland location, coupled with a moderately increased elevation. Typically, towns this far inland have a reduced risk from direct hurricane threats; however, intense rainfalls from degrading tropical storms or hurricanes can significantly impact this region, mostly leading to dangerous flash flooding conditions. The area's elevation can expedite runoff and high-speed water flow, exacerbating flooding potential. Historically, there has been notable flooding events, including during Hurricane Fran in 1996 and remnants of Hurricane Isabel in 2003, that impacted the broader region. Further, powerful winds from a hurricane degradation or a severe tropical storm can cause significant tree damage, subsequently leading to power outages and hindrance in transportation, affecting the community's daily life. As such, it's worth noting that even with a diminished hurricane impact due to Cliftondale Park's distance from the coast, citizens should still be prepared to face heavy rains, potential flood risks and wind damage. In terms of past hurricanes, Hurricane Fran and Isabel were particularly impactful, demonstrating that hurricanes can indeed still pose a substantial threat to inland areas like Cliftondale Park.