County: Fluvanna
ZIP Codes: 22963
Lake Monticello, Virginia, though landlocked, is potentially vulnerable to hurricanes. Virginia is known for its comparatively late hurricane season which runs from mid-August to late October. Although the town is about 150 miles from the coast, hurricanes that make landfall along the Eastern Seaboard can have significant impacts inland as they carry heavy rainfall and high-intensity winds. Being surrounded by higher elevations, the town is particularly susceptible to flash flooding as heavy rainfall from the hurricane runoff from those higher areas rapidly fills the lower-lying local rivers and streams, causing them to overflow more quickly. Storm-related damage can include flooding, downed trees and power lines, disruption of public services, and, in worst-case scenarios, loss of life. Looking back in history, Hurricane Fran in 1996 and Hurricane Isabel in 2003 had considerable effects on Lake Monticello, causing extensive property damage due to falling trees and flooding. The most noteworthy storm to impact the area in recent years was Hurricane Camille in 1969, which resulted in devastating flooding, ranking it among Virginia's worst natural disasters. Even though Lake Monticello is not directly on the coast, hurricane preparedness is a crucial consideration for local authorities and residents, including preparing for potential evacuations, fortifying structures, securing loose outdoor items, and having provisions on hand in the event of prolonged power outages or blocked roads.