County: Loudoun
ZIP Codes: 20147, 20176
Lansdowne, Virginia, being approximately 185 miles away from the Atlantic coast, is geographically less vulnerable to typical hurricane impacts such as storm surge and extreme winds. However, considering the town's location within the Potomac River Watershed, it is not immune to the threat of intense rainfall and inland flooding that can accompany hurricanes. Elevation of the area being relatively low also increases its susceptibility to flooding. Historically, the primary concern for Lansdowne and broader Loudoun County regarding hurricanes is excessive precipitation over a short period causing riverine flooding, flash flooding, and landslide potential in steeper terrains. Over the past three decades, Lansdowne has experienced impacts from several significant storms. Most notably, Hurricane Fran in 1996 and Hurricane Isabel in 2003 brought intense rainfall leading to extensive flooding and damage. The remnants of Hurricane Sandy in 2012 also had an impact on Lansdowne with heavy rains and strong winds, causing power outages and property damage. As hurricanes tend to be erratic and their power can vary, it is crucial for residents to stay informed about current weather conditions and forecasts, and have a plan in place for potential flooding and power loss scenarios that hurricanes may bring.