County: Nottoway
ZIP Codes: 23930
Crewe, Virginia, although situated approximately 150 miles inland from the Atlantic Coast, is still susceptible to the impacts of hurricanes and tropical storms. Precipitation associated with these events is a significant concern for Crewe, due to its elevation, which is relatively low at approximately 500 feet above sea level. The most common and likely impact of hurricanes would be extended heavy rainfall, which has the potential to cause flooding, especially in low lying and poor drainage areas. Historical flood risk is another critical factor with certain areas in the vicinity shown to be within flood plains. Looking back over the last 30 years, Crewe was impacted by Hurricane Fran in 1996, which caused extensive rainfall leading to local flooding. Another notable event was in 2003, when Hurricane Isabel led to damaging winds and power outages across a significant portion of Virginia, including Crewe. In 2011, Hurricane Irene brought heavy winds and rain, with widespread power outages in the area. Most recently, Crewe experienced rainfall from Hurricane Florence in 2018. The town's residents should be informed about hurricane preparation and the potential need for evacuation in the event of severe flooding. The risks, while not as immediate as coastal cities, should not be taken lightly as exemplified by past events.