County: Caroline
ZIP Codes: 22546
Lake Caroline, Virginia, is located about 70 miles inland from the nearest coastline, while its elevation is relatively low, leaving it somewhat vulnerable to the effects of hurricanes. Over the past 30 years, this area has seen both smaller tropical systems and major hurricanes, such as Isabel in 2003 and Michael in 2018, which can bring significant rainfall. Depending on the movement and size of the storm, inland areas like Lake Caroline can experience heavy rainfall leading to flooding, particularly along creeks and other low-lying, poorly drained areas. Flash flooding can be a significant hazard during these events, especially so since the Lake Caroline area lies within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed where the water table can be relatively high even without the influence of storm activity. Historically, Lake Caroline has been under threat from both tropical and non-tropical systems that resulted in flooding. Most notably, the infamous Hurricane Isabel made a significant impact on the community with dismaying floods. The remnants of Hurricane Michael also resulted in devastating flash floods in the region. Given the threat these storms have historically posed, Lake Caroline's residents should consider investing in flood insurance, prepare for evacuation in the event of a major storm, and adopt other safety measures to reduce potential damage to property. It's also crucial to pay attention to local and national weather forecasts during hurricane season for any possible storm surge or flood watches or warnings.