County: Rockingham
ZIP Codes: 22827
Elkton, Virginia, situated approximately 160 miles inland from the Atlantic Coast, doesn't typically bear the brunt of hurricane force winds; however, the greater concern for this area lies in potential flooding and rain-induced landslides. Given its location in the Shenandoah Valley, Elkton is more susceptible to consistent heavy rainfall, particularly if the hurricane track intersects with the Appalachians, causing a period of stalled or slowed movement of the storm system. Increasing elevation towards the Blue Ridge Mountains could result in enhanced rainfall due to the orographic effect, exacerbating flood risks. Historically, Elkton has been impacted by several tropical systems, most notably Hurricane Fran in 1996 which led to significant flooding in the town. Additionally, the remnants of Hurricane Camille in 1969 caused catastrophic damage due to extreme rainfall, even though the event is more than 30 years ago. Moreover, consistent flood risk in Elkton exists from the South Fork Shenandoah River, which may be amplified due to any hurricane-induced considerable rainfall. As a consequence, it's vital for Elkton residents to have a full understanding of their potential flood risks and take preparatory measures when a hurricane is forecast even if landfall is expected to be far to the east.