Cedar Bluff, located in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia at an elevation higher than coastal regions, is less vulnerable to direct hurricane impacts such as storm surge. However, it's not immune to the effects of hurricanes and tropical storms that can cause high-speed winds and heavy rainfall. These meteorological conditions could lead to flash flooding, especially given that Cedar Bluff is near a creek. Moreover, the mountainous terrain could potentially trigger landslides. A key concern for the town during a hurricane would be tree fall, which can lead to structural damage and power outages. Over the past 30 years, Cedar Bluff has experienced the outer periphery of several hurricanes. The most significant hurricane in recent history was Hurricane Fran in 1996, which, while it made landfall in North Carolina, its residual effects brought heavy rain to the Cedar Bluff area, leading to flash flooding. Also crucial to remember, in 2002, remnants of Hurricane Isidore led to heavy rainfall in the area, causing some flood events. The historical flood risk, high rainfall, and the potential for landslides in the event of a hurricane underscores the importance of thorough emergency and evacuation planning.