County: Warren
ZIP Codes: 22630
Front Royal, Virginia, despite being approximately 200 miles inland from the coast, is not immune to the impacts of hurricanes or tropical storms. These systems can bring significant rainfall, resulting in river and flash flooding. Front Royal's location near the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley, along with its proximity to both the South Fork of the Shenandoah River and Happy Creek, makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding. The town's elevation varies, but flood risk primarily centers around those residing in lower lying areas. Furthermore, as a hurricane moves inland and weakens, it can generate tornadoes which could also pose a threat to Front Royal and the surrounding area. In terms of historical precedence, Hurricanes Fran in 1996 and Isabel in 2003 both caused considerable damage in and around Front Royal, primarily due to flooding. More recently, in 2018, the remnants of Hurricane Michael led to heavy rains and flash flooding, triggering multiple water rescues in the area. It is important for residents to stay informed about the risks associated with hurricanes and major storms, including potential evacuation orders, power outages, and road closures, and to prepare accordingly for such events. Despite Front Royal's distance from the coast, hurricanes and their aftermath should be considered a serious risk in storm planning.