County: Rockingham
ZIP Codes: 22801
Massanetta Springs, Virginia, is located approximately 150 miles inland from the Atlantic coast, meaning it's less likely to directly experience the brunt of hurricane forces such as storm surges, yet it experiences the impacts in the form of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and occasional tornadoes spawned by the system. The town is situated near the Shenandoah Valley, which gives it higher elevation than coastal areas. This means flood risk due to storm surges is mitigated, however, heavy and prolonged rainfall can cause run-off and flash floods, especially in areas with steep slopes. Historically, the area's susceptibility to floods is moderate, with larger threats coming from the frequent thunderstorms during the hurricane season. Over the past 30 years, the community has experienced several significant weather events linked to tropical systems. Notably, the remnants of Hurricane Fran in 1996 and Hurricane Isabel in 2003 did bring substantial rainfall and high winds to the region. Fran resulted in considerable rainfall leading to flash flooding, leaving behind extensive damage. Isabel also brought torrential rains and high gusting winds tearing down power lines, trees, and causing structural damages. Therefore, while Massanetta Springs is somewhat insulated from the most devastating effects of a hurricane, the ramifications of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and their subsequent effects should not be underestimated when assessing the town's hurricane threats.