Bedford, Virginia does lie inland, approximately 200 miles from the coast, but this does not entirely insulate it from the threat of hurricanes. Hurricanes that reach the shore can still carry significant strength as they travel inland, given that the lower elevations of Bedford (around 883- 1046 feet above sea level) do not lend much to disrupting these storms. The risk these storms pose to Bedford include strong winds, heavy precipitation, and subsequent flooding. Even if hurricanes have decreased to tropical storm status by the time they reach Bedford's longitude, the heavy rainfall they produce can lead to dangerous conditions, considering the town's historical susceptibility to floods. In terms of historical data, significant impacts include the remnants of Hurricane Fran in 1996 and of Hurricane Michael in 2018. Both storms unleashed heavy rainfall over the area, causing severe flooding. Hurricane Isabel in 2003 brought tropical storm conditions to Bedford, resulting in downed trees and power lines. The flood of 1985, resulting from Tropical Storm Juan is also a significant event in the history of Bedford, as it led to the biggest ever recorded flood damage in the town. With climate change and rising sea levels, it is possible that hurricanes reaching inland could become stronger and more frequent in the future, increasing Bedford's risk. It makes sense to have proper preparedness and response plans for such scenarios.