Rural Retreat, Virginia, is located relatively far from the coast, approximately 283 miles to the Virginia Beach oceanfront, which somewhat reduces the immediacy of hurricane threats compared to coastal towns. However, hurricanes have enough power to penetrate inland, causing substantial rainfall and wind damage. Being at an elevation of roughly 2,460 feet, the town is not as vulnerable to storm surges, a deadly consequence of coastal hurricanes. Nonetheless, this elevation susceptibly opens the area to high velocity winds, property damage, infrastructure collapse and potential power outages. Also significant is the potential for rain-induced flooding due to heavy rainfall. Reviewing the recent meteorological history of Rural Retreat, the town has not directly encountered any major hurricanes in the past 30 years, which is likely due to its inland location and high elevation. However, remnants and outer bands of hurricanes like Floyd (1999) and Isabel (2003) have caused heavy precipitation and consequently, flash floods and landslides in adjoining areas. For Rural Retreat, the most substantial flood risk comes from water bodies like Reed Creek and large, torrential downpours often associated with hurricanes could increase the creek's water levels and potentially cause flooding. Although the town has managed to remain relatively unscathed compared to many other towns in Virginia, these viable risks enforce the necessity for hurricane preparedness and plans for potential flooding.