County: Botetourt
ZIP Codes: 24077, 24019
Cloverdale, Virginia is not directly along Virginia's coastline but it's still susceptible to the effects of hurricanes, especially in the form of excessive rain, strong winds, and potential flooding. The town's relative distance from the coast can sometimes serve as a buffer, reducing the potency of oncoming storms before they reach the area, however, the elevation of the area (approximately 1125 feet above sea level) makes it not entirely immune to flooding if a major hurricane occurs. This scenario is particularly true when hurricanes stall out, as the persistent rain can cause the area’s creeks, streams, and rivers to overflow. Regarding past instances, Cloverdale has seen major floods during hurricanes such as Hurricane Fran in 1996 and the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee and Hurricane Irene in 2011. These situations underscore the potential flood risk for Cloverdale even with its inland location and higher elevation. The potential hurricane impacts for Cloverdale include flooding due to heavy rainfall, wind damage, and potential for blocked roads due to fallen trees or landslides in surrounding hilly regions. During heavy storms, power outages from wind damage or fallen trees can also be an issue. Residents should be prepared with emergency plans and provisions in case of such occurrences.