County: Lynchburg
ZIP Codes: 24515, 24504, 24502, 24503, 24501, 24505, 24506, 24513, 24514
Located approximately 200 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean, Lynchburg, Virginia is less likely to experience direct impacts from a hurricane compared to coastal cities. However, hurricanes, tropical storms, and their remnants can travel inland and can still pose a considerable threat to the region. Lynchburg sits at an elevation high above sea level which reduces the threat of storm surge, but the town is susceptible to inland flooding due to the many nearby rivers including the James River. This was demonstrated by the remnants of Hurricane Michael in 2018, where over 6-10 inches of rainfall led to overflowing rivers, flash flooding, and damage in the Lynchburg area. Over the past 30 years, several major weather events have impacted Lynchburg. These include the remnants of Hurricane Fran in 1996, which led to significant flooding, and Tropical Storm Isabel in 2003, which caused massive power outages and property damage. Additionally, the town has dealt with a series of flood events including the historic one in 1985 caused by the remnants of Hurricane Juan. Therefore, even though the town is well inland, it is essential for residents to prepare for hurricanes and associated flooding, which could include securing property against heavy winds, having an emergency evacuation plan, and purchasing flood insurance.