Palmetto Bay, Florida has a high risk of hurricane impacts due to its geographical location along Biscayne Bay's coast in Miami-Dade County. Its proximity to the coastline makes it extremely vulnerable to storm surges, one of the deadliest components of a hurricane. Although its low-lying elevation (average of 10 feet above sea level) is higher than some other coastal communities, it's still at risk of flooding from heavy rain associated with tropical cyclinones. The historic flood risk for Palmetto Bay is high, as South Florida's dense urban development and drainage system can struggle to handle large influxes of water. In terms of hurricane history, this area has experienced several major hurricanes over the past three decades. Notably, in 1992, Hurricane Andrew, a Category 5 storm, caused extensive damage in the area. More recently, in 2017, Hurricane Irma, also a Category 5 at peak intensity, passed over the Florida keys and brought extensive wind damage and flooding to South Florida, including Palmetto Bay. These storms indicate a legacy of major hurricane impacts on Palmetto Bay, suggesting future potential damage from hurricanes and floods that must be planned and prepared for by the local community. The frequency and intensity of such events may also increase due to the effects of climate change.