County: Prince George
ZIP Codes: 23801
Fort Lee, Virginia, although positioned quite a distance from the coast, is not immune to the potential impacts of hurricanes, tropical storms, and remnants of these systems. Given its inland location, the primary threats to Fort Lee from hurricanes tend to be heavy rainfall leading to flooding, and strong winds, rather than direct storm surge. Layout of the land alongside the historical flood risk is also of considerable importance. Fort Lee is mostly flat with an elevation ranging from 50-100 feet, offering little natural defense against flooding. Rains can lead to rise in water levels of the nearby Appomattox River which can cause considerable flooding. The area has a substantial history of flood events, primarily as a result of hurricanes and tropical storms. Notably, Virginia experienced Tropical Storm Gaston in 2004, which dropped over 12 inches of rain, causing some of the worst local flooding since the 1970s. Similarly, Hurricane Isabel in 2003, though weakened to a tropical storm by the time it reached Fort Lee, led to high-speed winds, multiple tornadoes, widespread power outages, and several deaths across the state. All these should be considered as possibilities when assessing hurricane threat to Fort Lee. It's crucial for the community to be prepared for not only direct impacts from hurricanes, but also the aftermath: power outages, clean-up efforts, and the potential loss of homes and infrastructure.