County: Charlottesville
ZIP Codes: 22908, 22901, 22902, 22903, 22904, 22905, 22906, 22909
Charlottesville, Virginia, although somewhat protected due to its distance from the coast and its rising elevation, is not immune to the threats posed by hurricanes. The Blue Ridge mountains to the west do offer some shield, but heavy rainfall can result in widespread flooding. The remnants of hurricanes that make landfall on the coast often retain enough power to cause damage in the form of strong winds, heavy rain, and subsequent flooding. Notably, the potential for flash floods in Charlottesville is high due to the hilly terrain and the city’s location near the Rivanna River and its several tributaries. Flooding has historically been a significant concern in this area during major storms. In terms of historical impact, Hurricane Camille in 1969 and Hurricane Isabel in 2003 are key examples of hurricanes whose remnants have caused substantial destruction in Charlottesville. Camille, a Category 5 hurricane, caused catastrophic flash flooding, while Isabel's heavy rains and strong winds led to widespread power outages and structural damage. More recently, in 2018, the remnants of Hurricane Michael also led to flash flooding in parts of Charlottesville. While traditionally coastal regions have been notably susceptible to hurricanes, Charlottesville's history shows that inland areas like this city too must to take hurricane threats seriously and plan accordingly.