Arlington, Virginia, though positioned inland from the coast, remains susceptible to the impacts of hurricanes, particularly from heavy rainfall and strong winds. Given its relatively low elevation with the highest point only about 460 feet, it is vulnerable to potential flooding risks, especially in lower-lying areas near the Potomac River and its tributaries. High volumes of prolonged rainfall from slow-moving or stalling tropical systems can lead to widespread and devastating flooding, posing risks to property and infrastructure.

Analyzing historic storm impacts, storms such as Hurricane Isabel in 2003 and remnants of Hurricane Lee in 2011 generated substantial flooding and wind damage in Arlington. Isabel remains one of the most significant hurricanes to have impacted the region in the last 30 years, causing extensive power outages and downed trees. More recently, Hurricane Sandy in 2012, although it made landfall farther north, brought severe weather impacts to Arlington in terms of heavy rains and strong winds. Therefore, despite Arlington's inland location, it remains important to have robust hurricane and flood preparedness and response strategies in place, considering this history and the escalating effects of climate change.