County: Fairfax
ZIP Codes: 22060
Hurricane threats to Fort Belvoir, Virginia, though low to moderate, would broadly hinge on the pathways of these tempests up the Atlantic seaboard, their overall intensity, and speed. The town, nestled about ten miles south of Washington D.C., isn't directly on the coastline, providing some buffer from immediate coastal storm surge. However, its relatively low elevation, lying predominantly less than 100 feet above sea level, paired with its location near the Potomac River, sparks a potential flood risk in the event of excessive rains. Hence, heavy precipitation brought on by hurricanes could induce onsite flooding and pose dangers to facilities, personnel, and operations, just as Hurricane Agnes did in 1972. In case of such calamities, emergency preparedness should include plans for power outages, downed trees, and potential road blockages. Examining historical data, significant hurricane impacts in Fort Belvoir are relatively infrequent but not unheard of. For the past 30 years, Hurricane Isabel (2003) and Tropical Storm Lee (2011) stand out as clear examples. Hurricane Isabel, one of the most potent storms ever to affect the region, resulted in widespread power outages, fallen trees, and severe infrastructural damage, while Lee brought heavy rainfall and extreme flooding in Northern Virginia. Recently, the town was affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida in 2021, which caused flooding and road blockages due to fallen debris. In the face of these potential risks, residents and concerned authorities are encouraged to maintain vigilance about hurricane warnings and prepare accordingly.