Cheriton, Virginia is located in Northampton County on the Eastern Shore of the state, making it particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and other coastal storms. Its close proximity to the coast—only a few miles from the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean—means that Cheriton often experiences the brunt of any coastal storms. This includes high winds, significant storm surge, and heavy rain, any and all of which can cause severe damage. The area is predominantly flat, with minimal elevational change, offering little natural protection from flood waters and storm surge driven inland by hurricane winds. Cheriton's location also puts it at risk of both riverine and flash flooding. Over the past 30 years, Cheriton has faced several major hurricanes and significant flooding events. One notable example is Hurricane Isabel in 2003, considered one of the most destructive hurricanes in the town's history. Isabel's heavy rain and storm surge resulted in considerable flooding in the town, leading to extensive property damage. More recently, Hurricane Sandy in 2012, while not directly making landfall in Virginia, caused extensive flooding and wind damage across the state, including in Cheriton. Hurricane Florence in 2018, again not a direct hit, nevertheless resulted in substantial rainfall and flooding in the region. These events underscore the town's vulnerability to hurricanes and the need for proper preparedness and hazard mitigation efforts.