Warrenton, Virginia, while relatively inland, can still be significantly affected by hurricanes making landfall on the coast due to the broad influence these storms can have. Even though the town is situated approximately 60 miles west of the Chesapeake Bay, major hurricanes tend to be expansive and strong enough to reach this area with considerable force. The risk for high winds and tornadoes, common complications of hurricane systems, may ensue. Also, storm surge is not a potential issue in Warrenton, but the region is prone to freshwater flooding due to heavy rain. Warrenton's elevation varies, but it's approximately 429 feet above sea level which adds to its risk for flooding. Looking back over the past 30 years, Warrenton has experienced multiple hurricanes and their remnants, which lead to significant rainfall and flooding. One of the most significant was Hurricane Fran in 1996, the remnants of which caused widespread flooding and damage in the region. More recently, Hurricane Isabel in 2003 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012 also had significant impact, with high winds, power outages and flood damage reported. Each hurricane situation needs to be evaluated individually, but historical data implies that Warrenton should take all hurricane threats seriously, regardless of the initial landfall location.