Norfolk, Virginia, situated on the southeastern coast of the state, is particularly vulnerable to weather events such as hurricanes, primarily because of its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The region sits mostly at sea level, making it susceptible to flood damage from storm surges and heavy rainfall, which are common impacts of hurricanes. The rainfall accumulation can quickly overwhelm local drainage systems, leading to extensive and prolonged flooding. Prolific rainfall can also cause soil saturation, promoting landslides and further flood damage. The elevation (or lack thereof) also portrays the potential for wind damage from hurricanes. Since Norfolk is flat with no topographical features to disrupt the wind, wind damage can be quite severe, causing structural damage to buildings, power outages, and uprooting trees. Norfolk's weather history includes several significant hurricanes and flood events in the last 30 years. Hurricane Isabel in 2003 was particularly damaging, resulting in extensive shoreline erosion and flooding. This tropical cyclone produced a storm surge that inundated various areas of the city, and numerous buildings were severely damaged or destroyed. In 2011, Hurricane Irene also impacted the city, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surge, causing millions of dollars in damage. Most recently, Hurricane Matthew in 2016 led to widespread, severe flooding throughout the city. These historical examples serve as a reminder of Norfolk's susceptibility to intense hurricanes and the potential for significant flood events.