County: Fairfax
ZIP Codes: 22046, 22043
Idylwood, Virginia is situated approximately 200 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean, which lessens the intensity of a hurricane's direct impact. Yet, it doesn't completely mitigate the threat, as significant remnants of hurricanes—eddies of strong winds, considerable rainfall, and even tornadoes —can reach the area. The town is relatively flat (elevation: 371 ft), which leaves it somewhat susceptible to flooding from excessive rainfall. Storm products can also cause power outages, damage structures, and lead to hazardous conditions that result in injury or death. Regarding historical records, Hurricane Fran in 1996 resulted in severe flooding and property damage across Northern Virginia, which included Idylwood. More recently, while not a hurricane, Tropical Storm Isaias in August 2020 brought considerable amounts of rain to the area, leading to flash floods and multiple power outages. These instances demonstrate that, while Idylwood may be significantly inland, the impacts from hurricanes can still be severe, and proper precautions and preparations should be adopted.