County: Henrico
ZIP Codes: 23150, 23250, 23231
Sandston, Virginia, might not be directly along the coast, but its proximity to it, only about 125 miles inland, poses a considerable risk from hurricanes. Hurricanes weaken as they move inland, but given the town's flat topography and a relative lack of elevation, these factors significantly escalate the danger of flooding rains from slow-moving or stalled tropical systems. The town's location by the Chickahominy River also leaves it vulnerable to flooding, specifically during significant rain events associated with hurricanes. Historical records indicate that Sandston's flood risk is substantial. Notably, Hurricane Isabel (2003) caused severe flooding, power loss, and property damage in the area, serving as a marker of the substantial destruction potential of hurricanes. More recently, in 2018, tropical storm Michael also led to localized flooding issues. The major hurricanes that have made landfall in Virginia tend to produce severe flooding, particularly when the ground is already saturated from previous rainfall. Therefore, in addition to wind and rain hazards, the residents should be mindful about the high risk of flooding, prompting the need for effective flood-control measures.