Given its close proximity to the coast, Christmas, Florida has a relatively heightened risk of experiencing adverse impacts due to hurricanes. The town's geographical location, being less than 30 miles from the Atlantic Ocean and about 60 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, places it in a position to potentially sustain heavy wind, rain, and storm surge damage during hurricane events. Additionally, the elevations in Christmas are relatively low, which in combination with the excessive rainfall often associated with tropical systems, could significantly amplify flood risks. Flooding can not only lead to immediate property damage, but it can also cause longer-term issues such as water contamination and increased populations of disease-carrying insects. Historically, Christmas has sustained impacts from several hurricanes over the past three decades. Hurricane Charley in 2004, was a notable tropical system producing strong winds throughout the region, causing widespread power outages, and considerable property damage. In 2016, Hurricane Matthew too skirted along Florida's east coast leading to power outages across Christmas as well. Additionally, Hurricane Irma in 2017 caused extensive flood damage throughout central Florida, even though the majority of heavy rainfall was west of Christmas. Looking back, Hurricane Floyd in 1999, although it did not make landfall in Florida, brought torrential rainfall, causing flooding in low-lying areas near Christmas. It is also important to note that, even hurricanes making landfall hundreds of miles away may still bring substantial rainfall and flooding risks to Christmas.