Coeburn, Virginia's inland location in the Appalachian Mountains does provide some buffering from the direct impacts of hurricanes that typically affect coastal regions. However, being approximately 290 miles from the Virginia coast doesn’t entirely exempt it from indirect hurricane-associated weather impacts. Major threats due to hurricanes would likely be from heavy rain, causing flash flooding, and strong wind. The town's elevation, with its valleys and hills, could potentially exacerbate the threat of flash flood following prolonged periods of heavy rain. Over the past 30 years, no major hurricanes have made a direct hit on Coeburn. However, the remnants of hurricanes, such as Hurricane Isabel in 2003, have brought substantial rainfall and strong winds to the region, leading to flooding and other damage. The high flood risk of the area due to rivers and streams can still result in catastrophic damage, as seen during the flash flood in August, 2002 when a severe storm system led to significant damage to roads, bridges and other structures. These historical events emphasize the importance of Coeburn's preparedness for weather-related emergencies, including those related with hurricanes.