Ripplemead, Virginia, while being located over 200 miles inland from the bulk of the Atlantic Ocean, is not immune to the effects of hurricanes and tropical systems. The town's overall elevation is relatively low, with the Town of Pearisburg and the New River encasing it. Thus, the vulnerability to both flash flooding and river flooding is high. Katabatic winds, which could gather speed and force as they flow from higher to lower elevation areas, could also cause damage. Ripplemead's position at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains could amplify rainfall as storms are forced upwards by the terrain, a process known as orographic enhancement. Within the last 30 years, notable hurricane impacts have included Hurricane Fran in 1996 and remnants of Hurricane Isabel in 2003. Hurricane Fran, while it made landfall in North Carolina, its remnants brought heavy rain and flooding across Virginia, causing significant devastation and fatalities. Isabel was particularly damaging, with high winds and heavy rain resulting in downed trees, extensive power outages, and rising river levels. Additionally, in 2001, the remnants of Tropical Storm Allison created serious flooding conditions in parts of Giles County, where Ripplemead is located. As such, it's crucial for Ripplemead's community to remain vigilant and prepared during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1st to November 30th.