Lutz is a relatively inland town in Florida that is situated around 15 miles north-northwest of Tampa. This distance from the coast does provide some level of protection against the direct impact of hurricane landfalls, however, that doesn't make Lutz immune to severe weather impacts related to hurricanes. Hurricanes generate a series of threats, including direct wind damage, storm surge, and heavy rainfall leading to flooding. The town's elevation, with most parts below 100 feet above sea level, combined with prolonged heavy rainfall, increases the risk of inland flooding even without a direct storm surge. The combination of heavy rain and high winds from a hurricane can still cause significant damage to property and endanger lives. Reviewing historical patterns, several substantial storms have impacted Lutz over the past 30 years. For instance, during the 2004 hurricane season, Lutz was hit by a barrage of storms including Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Jeanne causing significant damage to property and vegetation. More recently in 2017, Hurricane Irma, a Category 4 hurricane at landfall in Florida produced heavy rain causing significant flooding, incredibly strong winds and widespread power outages in Lutz. Therefore, while Lutz's inland position may protect it somewhat from direct landfall and storm surge impacts, its vulnerability to hurricane-induced rainfall and potential for resultant flooding remains significant. Major hurricanes, even if their landfall is several miles away, can still have a considerable impact on the town, indicating that hurricane preparedness in this area is paramount.