Vinton, Virginia is located approximately 210 miles inland from the Atlantic Coast, meaning that hurricane impact is typically less severe but not impossible. The town is situated at around 1,100 feet above sea level, so while it is shielded somewhat from storm surge that coastal areas endure, high-intensity rainfall associated with hurricane events could potentially lead to localized flooding. This is particularly concerning for regions along and near the Roanoke River which runs adjacent to Vinton. This threat is amplified by the town's history of flooding, particularly flash flooding due to the region's hilly terrain and heavy rainfall events. The region has also seen damage from high winds in the past. In terms of major hurricanes, the impact from these, particularly in terms of rainfall, has been noteworthy, though not as severe as coastal areas. Hurricane Fran in 1996, for example, caused extensive flooding in the Roanoke Valley, further illustrating the region's vulnerability to flood damage from such events. Also, in 2004, remnants of Hurricane Ivan caused significant flooding in parts of Vinton. More recently, in 2018, remnants of Hurricane Michael brought heavy rain and flash flooding to the area, causing damage to homes and roads. These historical events show that while Vinton's removal from the coast does afford some protection, it is not entirely safe from the impacts of hurricanes and related flooding.