County: Accomack
ZIP Codes: 23480, 23410
Locust Mount, Virginia, due to its distance from the coast (about 65 miles inland from the Atlantic coast) and elevation (approximately 220 feet above sea level), has a moderate hurricane risk compared to coastal towns but is still impacted occasionally by hurricanes and tropical storms that bring high winds, heavy rain, and flooding. The primary hurricane threats originate from remnant rain and wind that tend to retain their force as they push inland. The potential hurricanes impacts for this town include downed trees and power lines, structural damage to buildings, and blocked roads due to debris. Historically, Locust Mount has experienced several flooding instances, with the most significant floods resulting from hurricanes or tropical storms. In particular, Hurricane Isabel in 2003 and Hurricane Fran in 1996 brought substantial rainfall to the region, causing widespread flooding and property damage. Storm surges are not a major concern due to the town's distance from the coast, but any future flood preparation should consider the risk of inland flooding, especially around creeks and other low-lying areas. Increasingly erratic weather patterns associated with climate change may exacerbate these risks in the future.