County: Loudoun
ZIP Codes: 20165
Due to Cascades, Virginia's inland location, approximately 185 miles from the Atlantic coast, the immediate hurricane threat is somewhat diminished compared to coastal regions. However, Cascades is not immune to the impacts of tropical systems. While wind damage is typically lower than in coastal regions, inland regions like Cascades are particularly vulnerable to flooding caused by heavy rain, which is a common aspect of hurricanes. Considering the town's geography, which includes portions of the Potomac River and its adjacent floodplains, torrential rains from a tropical system can certainly lead to considerable flooding. Notably over the past 30 years, severe weather systems such as Hurricane Fran in 1996 and Isabel in 2003 have impacted the region, causing significant flooding and property damage. Tropical Storm Lee in 2011 also led to high flood levels in the Potomac River which greatly impacted Cascades and surrounding areas. Furthermore, with the potential for more frequent and intense storms due to climate change, Cascades may face increased flooding risk in the coming years. Residents and authorities should be prepared to respond to such potential scenarios with appropriate readiness and response planning.