St. Petersburg, situated directly on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, has a high vulnerability to hurricanes and other significant tropical weather systems. The city is nearly surrounded by water, making it susceptible not only to direct storm impacts, but also to storm surge, extensive flooding, and high winds. Most of the town is at or below sea level, which further contributes to the potential for severe flooding during high tide cycles and heavy rainfall events. The housing in many areas of St. Petersburg is also older, which can mean less resistance to severe weather compared to newer, more hurricane-resistant structures. In terms of historical storm events, St. Petersburg experienced significant impact from Hurricane Irma in 2017. Irma made landfall in the Florida Keys as a Category 4 storm and swept up the west coast of the state, subjecting the city to high winds and heavy rainfall. While the storm had slightly weakened by the time it reached this area, it still caused substantial damage. Other significant hurricanes in recent history include 2005's Hurricane Katrina (while St. Petersburg did not take a direct hit, the storm had far-ranging impacts) and 2004's Hurricane Jeanne. These storms are invaluable warnings of the potential impacts of future hurricanes, showing the need for continued preparedness and awareness in this high-risk region.