Bland, Virginia, given its considerable distance from the coast—about four to five hours' drive—is far less at risk for direct impacts from a hurricane than coastal cities. However, hurricanes weaken to tropical storm status by the time they reach this inland area, which doesn't completely exempt Bland from potential damage. The town can still face strong winds, heavy rainfall, and subsequent flooding. Bland is located at a higher elevation (about 2500 ft above sea level), which can lead to flash floods in lower-lying areas since these are often less capable of absorbing heavy rainfall. Historically, the remnants of many tropical systems have brought significant rainfall to Bland. For instance, in 1985, Hurricane Juan tracked over western Virginia, causing heavy rainfall and flooding in Bland County. In more recent history, Hurricane Florence in 2018 and Hurricane Michael in 2018 brought significant rainfall and flooding to parts of Virginia, including areas surrounding Bland County. The severity and frequency of weather events in the region make flood preparedness a significant concern for the town.