Fort Walton Beach, located directly on the coast in the panhandle of Florida, is highly susceptible to hurricane threats and their related impacts. Its flat, low-lying topography makes it prone to substantial flooding due to storm surge and heavy rainfall, both typically associated with hurricanes. Over the past 30 years, this region has witnessed several significant hurricanes, with the most notable including Hurricane Opal in 1995, Hurricane Ivan in 2004, and Hurricane Michael in 2018. Each of these storms caused substantial flooding, wind damage, and long-lasting power outages, illustrating the potential degree of impact from hurricanes in this area. In fact, Hurricane Opal prompted the declaration of a major disaster in Florida, underlining the storm's extensive damage. Due to its location directly on the coast, Fort Walton Beach is also at risk from coastal erosion and wave action during hurricanes. Other potential impacts include damage to infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and public utilities, disruption of local economies, and threats to local flora and fauna. Historical and projected sea-level rise also is a significant consideration in this region. These factors combined make Fort Walton Beach particularly vulnerable to extreme wind events and storm surge flooding during hurricane events. Local officials and residents should prioritize hurricane preparedness and storm resilience efforts to mitigate these potential impacts.