County: Patrick
ZIP Codes: 24120
Meadows of Dan, Virginia, is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and about 160 miles away from the coast making the threat of direct hurricane impacts considerably lower than that of coastal communities. However, do not underestimate the potential for serious storm-related damage. Hurricanes making landfall on the Atlantic Coast often move inland and degrade into tropical storms, which can bring intense rainfall leading to significant flooding, especially in the mountainous areas. As Meadows of Dan is situated at an elevation above 2,500 feet, the risks of landslides and flash floods should be a matter of consideration during heavy rainfall events that often accompany the remnants of hurricanes. Looking at the weather history, Meadows of Dan had significant flood events associated with different storms including Hurricane Fran in 1996 and remnants of Hurricanes Isabel in 2003 and Michael in 2018. Hurricane Fran, in particular, brought excessive rain to the region, leading to record-level flooding. While the town's intrinsic higher elevation can offer some protection against flooding, heavy and persistent rainfall can saturate the soil, leading to increased runoff, and in extreme cases, causing floods and landslides. Therefore, despite its distance from the coast, Meadows of Dan should still consider hurricanes and their remnants as potential weather threats.