Gloucester Courthouse, Virginia, is situated approximately 20 miles from the Atlantic coast, which puts it well within the potential impact range for hurricanes and tropical storms that can affect the Virginia coastal region. Its location in the Tidewater region places it at an elevation averaging less than 50 feet above sea level, making it susceptible to potential storm surge, flash flooding, and other water-related impacts, especially in a hurricane situation. The region’s low elevation and proximity to several bodies of water, such as the York River and its tributaries, compound the risks. Moreover, heavy rhythmic rainfalls from such storms can quickly inundate the local drainage system, exacerbating the flood risk.

In the past 30 years, Gloucester Courthouse has experienced the effects of several major hurricanes including Hurricane Isabel in 2003 and Hurricane Floyd in 1999. Both these events were responsible for extreme rainfall, flooding, and significant property damage in the county. Flooding, specifically, is a historical concern for this area, with floodplain regions encompassing a significant portion of the town. Thus, any hurricane threat assessment for Gloucester Courthouse must inevitably stress its vulnerabilities to storm surges, high winds, and especially floods, with considerable attention given to evacuation plans, securement of properties, and critical infrastructure within potential flood zones.