Great Falls, Virginia, while a significant distance from the coast, still has potential vulnerabilities during a hurricane. The city is approximately 150 miles inland from the eastern coastal line, which can lessen but not altogether negate the effects of a hurricane. The impacts they would likely experience from such a storm are heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding, high winds, and possible power outages or damage to infrastructure. The town’s relatively high elevation (305 ft) may to some degree protect it from the most direct impacts of coastal storm surges but does not exempt it from the risk of localized flash flooding, particularly in the vicinity of the Potomac River and its tributaries, during extended periods of intense rainfall. Looking back over the past 30 years, Hurricanes Fran (1996) and Isabel (2003) brought significant rainfall and wind damage to the northern Virginia area, including Great Falls. While the area was not directly hit by these storms, both resulted in extended power outages, downed trees, and significant property damage. Flooding has also been a historic issue, particularly in areas close to the Potomac River. For example, in 2010, a "100-year flood" caused significant damage to several homes and roads after a week of heavy rain. Therefore, it remains crucial that residents prepare for these effects and consider them in respect to property location and insurance.