County: Fairfax
ZIP Codes: 20170
Dranesville, Virginia, while situated almost 200 miles inland and at a fairly high elevation, is not entirely immune to the threat of hurricanes. Hurricanes forming along the Atlantic seaboard can generate heavy rainfall, causing large areas of flooding even inland, although the intensity of cyclone winds tends to lessen significantly after landfall. Dranesville's moderate distance from the coast and relatively high elevation somewhat mitigate the risk of floods and storm surges that often accompany hurricanes. The town's inland location typically means it is more susceptible to the heavy rain and possible tornadoes that can occur in the outer rainbands of a hurricane. Historically, the most significant hurricane impact experienced in Dranesville was Hurricane Isabel in 2003, which caused considerable wind damage and power outages despite the town's distance from the coastal landfall. The low-lying areas of the town may also be at additional risk due to localized flooding associated with heavy rainfall from such systems. Another event of note is the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee in 2011, where prolonged heavy rainfall led to significant flood damage in Northern Virginia's areas, including Dranesville. Therefore, local authorities and residents must still be vigilant about storm preparedness.