County: Fairfax
ZIP Codes: 22315
Hayfield, Virginia, while not right along the coastline, is still vulnerable to the impacts of hurricanes, especially in terms of heavy rainfall and potential flooding. The town's proximity to the Potomac River and its relatively low elevation make it susceptible to flood risks, particularly in the aftermath of intense hurricanes that result in significant upstream water flow. Moreover, despite its inland location, Hayfield has previously experienced hurricanes and tropical storms that have originated from the East Coast. High winds, power outages, and the potential for property destruction also pose serious threats. Major hurricanes, such as Hurricane Fran in 1996 and Hurricane Isabel in 2003, have left considerable impacts in the Hayfield area within the last 30 years. Fran, as a category 1 hurricane, delivered widespread rainfall of 6-10 inches across northern Virginia causing significant flooding. Isabel, although weakened to a tropical storm by the time it reached Hayfield, still caused power outages and property damage in the town. Furthermore, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has identified several zones within the vicinity of Hayfield as potential flood hazards, underlining the associated flood risks during major storms. Therefore, while Hayfield's direct hurricane risk may be lower than coastal regions, the town still needs to maintain readiness for hurricane-related flooding and wind damage.