County: Rockingham
ZIP Codes: 22815
Broadway, Virginia, while not located directly on the coast, is still susceptible to the long-range impacts of hurricanes and tropical storms. Its distance from the coastline means storms usually lose some of their power before reaching the area, especially in terms of wind strength. However, heavy rainfall associated with such storms can, and in the past has, led to severe flooding in the region. The town is situated at an elevation of approximately 1122 feet, which does offer some respite from flood risks compared to lower-lying regions. However, Broadway is located close to the Dry River, and major storm events can cause this waterway to overflow, leading to flooding. The town was significantly impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Fran in 1996 and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. Both of these events caused widespread flooding across the region, damaging properties and infrastructure, and disrupting the livelihoods of the residents. Tropical Storm Lee was particularly damaging, generating heavy rainfall that caused major flooding in Broadway. It is critical that the town remain prepared for such events in the future, with due consideration to its historical vulnerability to flood risks, despite its inland position and elevated location. Given the changing climate, heavy downpours are likely to become more frequent and intense, which could potentially exacerbate the flood risk. It's also important that residents are aware of storm risks and evacuation plans, especially those living close to the Dry River.