Piney Mountain, Virginia, despite its inland location, isn't fully immune from hurricane impacts. Its distance from the coast does provide some barrier, with hurricanes typically reducing to tropical storm or tropical depression status by the time they reach its area due to the loss of the warm oceanic fuels. This still means, however, that Piney Mountain can experience heavy rainfalls, which is a primary concern due to its elevated landscape. Torrential rains from these systems increase the risk of flash flooding, landslides, and soil erosion, especially in mountainous areas. Over the past 30 years, Piney Mountain has experienced effects from multiple significant storms, most notably Hurricane Fran in 1996. As a tropical depression, Fran caused substantial rain in the area, leading to flooding. Similarly, Hurricane Isabel in 2003, although considerably weakened by the time it reached inland Virginia, brought heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and flash flooding to parts of the state. These historical events serve as a reminder that even in the absence of full-scale hurricane-force winds, weaker tropical depressions can cause serious damage through persistent heavy rains and resulting floods. Hence, storm preparedness and early warning systems are always essential in this area.