Oak Grove, Virginia, while not right on the coastline, is still highly susceptible to the impacts of a hurricane due to its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River. The town sits at a relatively low elevation, further increasing its flood risk. One of the largest risks from hurricanes in this area is from heavy rainfall leading to flooding. Even if a hurricane does not directly hit Oak Grove, the sprawling rain bands extending from the storm can bring significant rainfall. Lower elevation areas of the town are particularly vulnerable, and residents should be prepared for potential evacuations during major storm events. Storm surge, another impact of hurricanes, may also come into play if a significant storm makes landfall to the east, allowing surge to ride up the Potomac. In the past 30 years, several major hurricanes and floods have impacted Oak Grove, causing a range of damage. Hurricane Isabel in 2003 brought heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds that caused significant damage. In 2011, Hurricane Irene caused widespread flooding and power outages in the area. More recently, Hurricane Matthew in 2016 resulted in heavy rain, strong winds, and even flash flooding in some areas. These past events show that Oak Grove can and does experience impacts from hurricanes and related flooding. Because of its geographical location and characteristics, any hurricane forecast to impact Virginia should be closely monitored by Oak Grove residents.