County: Shenandoah
ZIP Codes: 22847, 22842
Mount Clifton, Virginia, while relatively inland, can still experience the impacts of potential hurricanes due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. These impacts often include heavy rainfall, powerful winds, and in some cases, flooding. The town sits approximately 180 miles inland from the Virginia coast, meaning hurricanes which have kept their strength while traveling over land could greatly affect the area. However, due to its elevation of about 285 meters above sea level, the major hurricane threats for Mount Clifton traditionally involve wind damage and rainfall-induced flooding rather than storm surge, which primarily affects coastal areas.
Examining past weather records, Mount Clifton has experienced the ramifications of such hurricanes, including the remnants of Hurricane Fran in 1996 and Hurricane Isabel in 2003, both of which caused significant rainfall, wind damage, and power outages in the area. Flooding, while not the most prevalent threat due to the town's elevation, can still happen, primarily as a result of heavy, sustained rainfall over a short amount of time. Take for example the historic flooding that occurred in 1985 due to the remnants of Hurricane Juan. As we look towards the future, it's crucial to monitor potential storms with the understanding that while Mount Clifton may be somewhat shielded due to its geographic location, its residents should still be prepared for the risks associated with hurricane impacts.