County: Pulaski
ZIP Codes: 24347
Allisonia, located in Pulaski County, Virginia, faces less direct threat from hurricanes compared to coastal Virginia towns, due to its inland location; it is nearly 200 miles away from the Virginia coast. Its higher elevation also mitigates some risks, as high-elevation areas are less prone to direct storm surge damage. However, hurricanes can still pose significant threats, primarily through heavy rainfall leading to inland flooding. A hurricane's size, speed, and path are all determining factors in how much rain results. Given the town’s close proximity to the New River, it is susceptible to floods during extreme weather events, which can lead to property damage and road closures. Historically, notable events include the remnants of Hurricane Fran in 1996, which caused significant flooding throughout southwestern Virginia. Additionally, Hurricane Isabel in 2003, and Hurricane Florence more recently in 2018, also caused flooding in some areas, despite Allisonia being far from the storm’s center. These storms serve as reminders that, though the town's hurricane risk is buffered by distance from the coast and higher elevation, major storms and the resulting rainfall can still have significant impacts. Advanced and ongoing preparation for potential flood conditions should be a primary focus for this community.