Paxton, Florida situated in the northernmost corner of Walton County, is inland from the Gulf of Mexico which serves as a deterrent for direct impact from storm surge. However, its relative proximity to the coast still presents a threat from major hurricanes, but with somewhat decreased intensity compared to coastal regions due to dissipation over land. Thus, Paxton's biggest threat during a hurricane often comes from heavy rainfall and the resulting flooding. The town does lie at a rather higher elevation than much of Florida (235 feet) which provides some natural protection against flooding, but localized flooding from major storm events might still occur, especially in areas with inadequate drainage or around bodies of water. Historically, Paxton has been spared from major hurricane impacts in the last 30 years, but it’s not exempt from the threats. Hurricane Michael in October 2018, although did not directly hit the town, had impacts throughout Walton County. Paxton's location meant effects were less severe than coastal areas, but still included isolated flooding, wind damage and related power outages. Similarly, Hurricane Ivan in 2004 left its mark with nearly a foot of rain in areas and considerable wind damage. When evaluating hurricane risk in Paxton, it is crucial to consider not only the direct impact of hurricanes, but also the residual effects such as interruption to utilities and public services, damage to infrastructure, and potential for prolonged recovery periods after severe weather events. It's important for Paxton residents to have hurricane preparedness plans and to be aware of their risk during hurricane season.