County: Northampton
ZIP Codes: 23354
Franktown, Virginia, has several elements that make it prone to experiencing hurricane impacts due to its geographic characteristics and historical weather events. Situated on the Delmarva Peninsula, it is roughly 9 miles inland from the eastern coastline of Virginia. This close proximity to water bodies puts it at a relatively high risk of experiencing hurricanes or tropical storms that move along the Atlantic coastline. Franktown's elevation, slightly above sea level, makes it vulnerable to storm surges, and heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods. The surrounding natural environment, with numerous rivers and tributaries, can exacerbate the flooding situation further, with groundwater saturation causing additional issues.
In the last 30 years Franktown has borne the brunt of some major hurricanes and severe weather events. One significant incident was Hurricane Floyd in 1999, which resulted in extensive flooding across the region. The storm caused rivers and streams to rise dramatically, leading to widespread damage. In 2003, Hurricane Isabel significantly affected the area, damaging homes and dropping heavy rains that caused moderate flooding. It is critical to consider these historical events when assessing future hurricane and flood threats to the region. Precautions must be taken to safeguard the local population and infrastructure, and to prepare adequately for possible hurricane impacts.