Riner, Virginia, though it resides inland and far from the coast, is not invulnerable to the threats posed by hurricanes and consequent flooding. The town's distance from the coast acts as a buffer, reducing the intensity of storm surges and high winds witnessed during hurricanes. However, hurricanes slowing down or stalling over the region could lead to extended periods of heavy rainfall. As the town lies in the New River Valley, the topography, which contains rolling hills towards the Blue Ridge Mountains, could exacerbate flooding situations by directing water runoff into valleys and streams. The likelihood of landslides and mudslides also increases due to the elevated terrain, especially if the soil becomes saturated from heavy rain. Historically, Riner has experienced the effects of several tropical systems, though relatively infrequent compared to coastal towns. However, some major hurricanes have had impacts over the past 30 years. For instance, in 1996 Hurricane Fran caused heavy rainfall leading to significant flood damage. More recently, in 2004, Hurricane Isabel brought strong winds and heavy rain to the area. These hurricanes serve as a reminder that even though Riner is comparatively safer due to its inland position, it is not immune to the potential impacts of a large and slow-moving tropical system or hurricane. Therefore, thorough preparation and alertness during Atlantic hurricane season are essential.