County: Henrico
ZIP Codes: 23060, 23059, 23058
Glen Allen, Virginia, is situated inland which provides some buffer against direct hurricane landfalls associated with the Atlantic coastline; however, it is not entirely immune to the threats posed by tropical systems. While storm surges and high winds are less of a concern due to the town’s relative distance from the coast and lower elevation, the primary threat to Glen Allen from hurricanes often comes in the form of heavy rain and subsequent flooding. The town's proximity to Upham Brook and several smaller bodies of water can also increase susceptibility to flooding under the right conditions. Historically, Glen Allen has experienced notable impacts from major tropical systems such as Hurricane Fran in 1996 and Hurricane Isabel in 2003. These storms resulted in significant rainfall which led to extensive flooding on a local and state-wide scale, with several areas suffering property damage. More recently, Tropical Storm Michael in 2018 led to flooding in areas around Glen Allen. With a gradually warming climate, the potential for increasingly intense rainfall events, and thus flood risk, is a significant consideration for Glen Allen in future hurricane seasons. It is crucial for local authorities and residents to be prepared for this, supporting effective flood management strategies, and accessing accurate and timely weather forecasts in advance of any tropical systems approaching the area.