As Sussex County is located in southeastern Virginia, roughly 60 miles away from the coast, its direct impact from coastal storm surge due to hurricanes is lower than coastal localities. However, heavy rain, damaging winds and flooding from inland waterways are significant threats during such storms. Sussex's relatively flat terrain makes it susceptible to widespread ponding of water and increases the risk of flash flooding. The county's dense woodland can aggravate damage caused by high winds, leading to widespread tree fall, power outages, and blocked roads. Historically, Sussex has been impacted by several significant storm events, most notably Hurricane Isabel in 2003 and Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Isabel caused extensive wind damage throughout the county, while Matthew's remnants were responsible for heavy rainfall that triggered minor to moderate flooding. Other notable storms include Hurricanes Fran (1996) and Floyd (1999), both of which brought heavy rainfall and gusty winds, resulting in power outages, structural damage, and flash flooding. These historical events stress the importance of preparedness for wind and water-related hazards in Sussex, particularly ahead of the Atlantic hurricane season.