County: Wise
ZIP Codes: 24216
Dunbar, Virginia, being located in Pulaski County, is significantly inland from the Virginia coast, thereby limiting the township's exposure to direct hurricane landfalls. Instead, the main threat from hurricanes in Dunbar often comes from the heavy rainfall and flooding that accompany these storms. The region's elevation, predominantly situated in the Appalachian Mountains, poses a risk for flash floods following heavy precipitation. It is, therefore, vital that stormwater management strategies are effective in dealing with potential high rainfall events. Despite being inland, Dunbar has experienced consequential weather in the past, specifically related to hurricanes and significant storms. Notably, the town saw extensive flooding and damage from Hurricane Fran in 1996, which dumped several inches of rain on the region, causing roads and bridges to be washed away. In the past 30 years, other impactful events include remnants of hurricanes Floyd in 1999 and Isabel in 2003, both leading to power outages, downed trees, and minor flooding. History suggests that while Dunbar does not typically face the brute force of hurricanes, the related rainfall and flooding pose significant risks that the community needs to be prepared for.