Pocahontas, Virginia, is located in the southwestern part of the state, approximately 300 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean. Its higher elevation and significant distance from the coast make Pocahontas somewhat insulated from the direct impacts of hurricanes such as storm surges and extreme wind speeds, which primarily affect coastal areas. However, these geographical characteristics don't entirely shield the town from hurricane-related threats. The town's location still leaves it susceptible to torrential rainfall leading to flash floods, dramatic changes in barometric pressure, power outages, and isolated tornadoes potentially spawned by the hurricane system. Historically, Pocahontas has been impacted by significant weather events related to tropical and hurricane systems. For example, in 2004, remnants of Hurricane Ivan led to significant flooding. And again in 2016, the effects of Hurricane Matthew were felt in the area as it created large-scale flooding issues across much of Virginia but was especially severe in the southwestern region. Though the town itself is not usually evacuated in these scenarios due to its elevated location, it's important for Pocahontas to maintain vigilant preparedness plans, being mindful of the potential for increased river levels, landslides and flash floods associated with heavy rainfall events, which often accompany hurricane systems impacts in this inland region.