Burke Centre, Virginia, is situated roughly 120 miles from the Atlantic Ocean and is around 300 feet above sea level. This inland and elevated location mitigates, to some extent, the direct impacts of a hurricane such as storm surge, which are a major threat to coastal areas. However, Burke Centre is susceptible to heavy precipitation and strong winds associated with hurricanes, and its proximity to the Potomac River exposes the town to flood risks, including riverine and flash flooding. The town has had historical incidents of hurricanes causing significant damage, such as hurricane Isabel and hurricane Floyd, which dumped intense rainfall causing riverine and localized flooding, and resulted in wind-related damages.

Hurricane Fran in 1996 brought heavy rainfall to the area, leading to flooding, especially along Accotink Creek. Another major weather event was Hurricane Isabel in 2003, which caused significant structural damage and power outages due to high wind speeds, apart from the localized flooding. Tropical Storm Lee, in 2011, caused significant rainfall leading to the overflow of the nearby creeks, resulting in one of the worst flood events in recent history. Therefore, it is imperative for Burke Centre residents to be prepared for potential flooding and wind damage during hurricane season, despite the town's relative distance from the coast.