Cottondale, Florida, is approximately 50 miles from the Gulf Coast, which could provide some protections from the initial impacts of a landfalling hurricane, but still holds a significant risk from associated threats such as heavy rain, wind damage, and tornadoes spawned from the hurricane. The town's relatively low elevation, averaging around 95 feet, makes it prone to flooding from the heavy rainfall that hurricanes often bring, especially due to its proximity to several rivers. Flash flooding can rapidly transform small streams and low-lying areas into dangerous risks for life and property. Over the past 30 years, Cottondale has been affected by multiple hurricanes. Most notably, in 2018, Hurricane Michael, a historic Category 5 storm, moved through the area, causing extensive wind damage and power outages. Also, back in 1995, the town felt the impact of Hurricane Opal, a Category 4 storm, with severe wind and flood damage reported. While major hurricanes directly hitting Cottondale are rare due to its distance from the coast, the location is often influenced indirectly by major storms, resulting in significant wind and flood damage. Residents and businesses in the area should always have a hurricane preparedness plan in place.