Wise, Virginia, while located at a significant distance from the coast, is not immune to the impacts of hurricanes or tropical systems. The town's inland location lessens the threat of storm surge, which tends to cause the most damage in coastal regions during a hurricane. However, its elevated geography in the Appalachian Mountains means that it is susceptible to heavy rainfall, which can cause considerable flooding and landslides. These flooding concerns are particularly significant given Wise's known risk for high flood damage; it lies within a zone characterized by both a 1% Annual Chance Flood Level and a 0.2% Annual Chance Flood Level. Historically, Wise has felt the peripheral effects of multiple major hurricanes, including Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and Hurricane Florence in 2018. The passage of Hurricane Hugo resulted in high winds, heavy rain, and significant flooding. Hurricane Florence primarily resulted in high floodwaters, leaving parts of the county inaccessible. These major storm events have shown the potential for significant impacts in Wise, so while it is not directly on the coast, the town must remain prepared for possible hurricane impacts, primarily flood risk. In the event of a storm, evacuation routes could potentially be compromised due to floodwaters, and extended power outages could occur due to downed trees and power lines. This could also limit emergency services and rescue efforts. Therefore, it is essential for the community to have comprehensive disaster plans in place.