Historically, Chatham, Virginia, which is approximately 195 miles inland from the coast, does not bear the direct brunt of hurricanes like the coastal regions. However, its distance does not exempt the town from indirect hurricane impacts such as extreme rainfall, winds, and ensuing floods. Chatham's elevation, at approximately 800 feet, diminishes the risk of storm surge, but high rainfalls can see local waterways such as Cherrystone Creek and Banister River exceed their banks and flood nearby areas.

Over the past 30 years, notable hurricanes impacting the area include Hurricanes Fran in 1996 and Florence in 2018. Fran resulted in significant flooding throughout the region, while Florence, although weakened upon reaching Chatham, still brought heavy rains and wind damage. Residents and officials should remember these events when planning for potential hurricane threats and understand that, despite the town's inlander status and elevation, precipitation-driven flooding and wind damage remain significant risks during hurricane events.