County: Franklin
ZIP Codes: 24151
Rocky Mount, Virginia, while not located directly on the coastline, still holds a moderate risk for hurricane impacts. The town is about 200 miles inland from the Atlantic coast, which means it won't suffer from the direct landfall of a hurricane, but the remnants of such storms, such as extended periods of heavy rain, substantial wind gusts and even the occasional tornado, can potentially be a problem. The town lies at an elevation of about 1138 feet, which lends some protection against widespread flooding, although localized flash flooding could pose a threat in times of heavy precipitation, particularly for low-lying areas or along local rivers and streams. Historically, Rocky Mount, VA, has experienced significant impacts from major storms, including Hurricane Isabel in 2003 and Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Isabel resulted in significant wind damage and downed trees in the area. Hurricane Matthew resulted in heavy rainfall, causing water levels of the Pigg River, which cuts through Rocky Mount, to significantly rise. While the flooding from Matthew was not catastrophic in Rocky Mount, it highlighted the potential for severe weather impacts from tropical systems. Hence, while direct hurricane threats are less of a concern due to distance from the coast, residents should remain alert to the potential risks associated with tropical storm rains and winds, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season from June to November.