County: Galax
ZIP Codes: 24333
Though Galax, Virginia, is located relatively far inland, at an approximate elevation of 2,500 feet, it is not completely exempt from the impacts of coastal hurricanes. Hurricanes traveling inland can reduce in strength but can still produce significant rain and wind events that lead to localized flooding and damage. Owing to its elevation, the town could experience increased rainfall as storm systems rise, causing increased evaporation and precipitation. The terrain of the surrounding region is also likely to create a higher risk of landslides during such intense rainfall events. Historically, Galax has seen damage due to floods, with most recent significant ones being the flood in 2001 and the Hurricane Michael related flooding in 2018. Two relatively recent hurricanes which notably impacted Galax were Fran in 1996 and Isabel in 2003. Hurricane Fran’s remnants led to heavy rains and flooding that caused significant damage in the Blue Ridge Mountain region including Galax. Similarly, Isabel, though weakened to a tropical storm by the time it arrived in Virginia, still resulted in widespread damage including considerable flooding. These instances underline the potential for hurricane-induced hazards to impact Galax, Virginia, even considering its distance from the coast and higher elevation. Improved flood mitigation strategies and planning for weather emergencies could help reduce potential damage from future storms.