County: Prince Edward
ZIP Codes: 23901, 23909
Farmville, Virginia, located in the central part of the state and approximately 170 miles from the coast, generally experiences lessened effects of hurricanes than the coastal regions. However, it is not entirely immune to the potential impact of hurricanes. The town's elevation, roughly 292 feet above sea level, and its relative distance from the Virginia coast decreases the likelihood of direct landfall impacts such as storm surge; however, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and related effects such as downed trees and power lines remain very possible in the event of a serious storm. Flooding risk is present, particularly in relation to the Appomattox River which runs adjacent to the town. In terms of historical data, Farmville found itself in the path of Hurricane Isabel in 2003 and Hurricane Michael in 2018. Despite the relatively large distance from the coast, these storms resulted in significant rainfall and presented a flooding risk. In both cases, damage was relatively modest but did include power outages and road closures due to downed trees. The central placement of Farmville also means that the town can experience impacts from storms tracking inland after making landfall. Thus, while the overall hurricane risk in Farmville is lower compared to coastal towns, it is not nonexistent, and residents should take appropriate measures to prepare during hurricane season.