Hurricane
Hurricane landfall predictions include a margin of error. A storm that is 72 hours from landfall has a 300-mile margin of error. A storm that is 48 hours from landfall has a 200-mile margin of error. The range falls to 100 miles when the storm is 24 hours away.
Although other areas are more vulnerable to hurricanes, Virginia has experienced several with sufficient severity to result in Presidential Disaster Declarations, including Hurricanes Fran, Bonnie, Dennis, and Floyd, 1996-99. Hurricane Isabel in 2003 was the most costly disaster in Virginia history.
Hurricane Terms
- Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions (winds exceeding 74 mph, storm surge, heavy rain, tornadoes and flooding) are possible within 36 hours.
- Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours.
