Given Southern Gateway, Virginia’s position within the Commonwealth, the area has a moderate risk for hurricane impacts. While it is not directly on the coast, it is close enough to feel the effects from tropical systems that make landfall in the Mid-Atlantic, particularly if those systems traverse an inland path. Additionally, its flatter topography and low elevation make it prone to flooding, especially in the event of a slow-moving storm that brings prolonged heavy rainfall. Even without direct hits, hurricanes can bring turbulent weather, including thunderstorms and tethered tornadoes to the inland areas. Flooding risk is a major consideration, with historic floods often linked not to the wind strength of a hurricane, but to the speed of the storm's movement across the region. Historically, Southern Gateway has not been spared from major hurricane impacts. Hurricane Fran in 1996 and Isabel in 2003 brought significant wind damage and flooding. More recently in 2011, Hurricane Irene and the post-tropical cyclone remnants of Lee led to widespread flooding causing severe property damage. These incidents underline the importance of being prepared for a variety of hurricane impacts, from wind damage to potential flooding. Even if Southern Gateway is not in the immediate path of the hurricane’s eye, disruptions to normal activity and potential threats to life and property are significant.