County: Spotsylvania
ZIP Codes: 22551
Lake Wilderness, Virginia, though inland, is not exempt from the impacts of hurricanes and tropical storms. Its distance from the Atlantic Ocean lessens the threat of the initial impacts such as storm surge, but heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding can be significant concerns, especially with the town's proximity to water bodies like the Ni River Reservoir and Lake Wilderness. The towns relatively low elevation (approximately 230 feet) and woodland surroundings can contribute to water retention and flash flooding, while the wind from the storm can damage buildings and trees, leading to power outages. Reflecting on historical weather events, Hurricane Fran in 1996 had a noteworthy impact on this region with vast flooding and storm damage. More recently, Hurricane Isabella in 2003 and remnants of Hurricane Matthew in 2016 also had notable effects, causing significant flooding and wind damage. Given this history and considering climate change and sea level rise, it is essential for the residents of Lake Wilderness to prepare for the possibility of extreme weather effects from hurricanes, including heavy rain, severe winds, and localized flooding.