County: Stafford
ZIP Codes: 22405
Falmouth, Virginia, while not directly on the coast, still faces potential risks from hurricanes due to its proximity to the coastline (less than 100 miles) and the Rappahannock River. The town's low-lying areas and proximity to water bodies increase its vulnerability to storm surge and heavy rainfall, possibly inducing flooding. As an inland community, Falmouth is also threatened by strong winds and tornadoes secondary to hurricane activity. Its infrastructure, particularly older buildings and structures, could face severe impacts under such conditions. Power outages from wind-related damage and disruptions to local roads due to flooding or fallen debris are additional considerations during hurricane events. Historically, Falmouth has experienced several considerable flood events associated with hurricanes. Notably, the remnants of Hurricane Camille in August 1969 caused widespread flooding through Virginia, including Falmouth. More recent events include the remnants of Hurricane Isabel in 2003 and Tropical Storm Gaston in 2004, both of which caused significant river flooding in Falmouth. While it's essential to acknowledge that each storm behaves differently and these examples do not guarantee the town's susceptibility to future hurricane impacts, they do provide a valuable frame of reference for understanding the potential risk.