County: Martinsville
ZIP Codes: 24112, 24113, 24114, 24115
Martinsville, located in south-central Virginia approximately 200 miles from the North Carolina coast, has a slightly reduced risk of experiencing the direct hit of a hurricane due to its inland position. However, as hurricanes move inland, they can still cause significant damage due to high winds, heavy rain, and resulting flooding. Martinsville, with an elevation slightly above 900 feet, would mainly be susceptible to the flooding induced by the heavy rain associated with a hurricane. The town's past experience with flooding determines its readiness to handle such rain events. In the past 30 years, several notable storms have impacted Martinsville. Hurricane Fran in 1996 resulted in extensive flooding across Virginia, including Martinsville. Tropical Storm Michael in 2018 also produced significant rainfall, leading to widespread flooding in Martinsville and the surrounding area. These events serve as a critical reminder that, while Martinsville's inland position may lessen the direct impact of a hurricane, the associated rainfall can still pose a considerable threat. Proper preparation, including understanding flood risk areas, securing property, and developing an evacuation plan, is essential to limit the potential impacts of such storms.