County: King George
ZIP Codes: 22485
King George, Virginia, holds a medium level of risk regarding the threat of hurricanes. Located about 65 miles from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and lying at an elevation of roughly 200 feet, its distance from the coast offers some protection from direct hurricane forces. However, tropical storm- and hurricane-level events can still cause significant effects, especially when it comes to heavy rainfall and resultant flooding. The elevation of the region is not enough to greatly limit the risk of flooding which, when combined with the regional soil’s water-holding capacity and the prevalence of nearby bodies of water like the Rappahannock and Potomac Rivers, makes flooding a considerable concern. Looking into the recent history, hurricane Isabel in 2003 had a significant impact on King George, with wide-spread power outages, fallen trees, and extreme rainfall leading to flooding. In 2011, tropical storm Lee also brought heavy rains and resultant flooding in its wake. These events demonstrate King George's vulnerability to the major effects of hurricanes which extend inland, presenting a risk to both property and life. Therefore, residents should always remain informed and prepared during hurricane season.