Panama City Beach, Florida is directly on the coast, which makes it extremely vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes from the Gulf of Mexico. The town also has a relatively low elevation, with majority of the area being less than 20 feet above sea level. This low-lying sea level heightens the risk of storm surge inundation and flooding, particularly in conjunction with a strong hurricane. The historical flood risk for Panama City Beach is notably high, especially with the increasing frequency of heavy rainfall events. In addition, hurricanes could also bring severe wind damage, power outages, and erosion to the city's beaches, which would have significant impacts on both infrastructure and tourism. In recent years, Panama City Beach has experienced a number of major hurricanes and floods. The most notable in recent history is Hurricane Michael in 2018, which was a Category 5 hurricane at landfall, causing devastating destruction and flooding to the area. Another significant event was Hurricane Opal in 1995, which hit as a Category 3 hurricane. Flooding from these events caused extensive property damage and loss of life. It is critical for residents and authorities in Panama City Beach to prioritize hurricane preparedness, as these types of events are likely to continue due to its location and climate change.