New Port Richey, Florida, is a town that lies directly on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, which significantly heightens its exposure to hurricane risks. The town's relative flat elevation, typical for coastal Florida, also increases its flood vulnerability during hurricane events. Since it's situated on the coast, the town is subjected to severe wind damage, storm surges, and heavy rainfall during hurricanes. The combination of rainfall and storm surges often leads to severe flooding, increasing the potential for property damage and endangering lives.

In the past 30 years, a number of major hurricanes have left a significant impact on New Port Richey. Most notably, in 2004, Hurricane Jeanne caused widespread damage to properties and infrastructure. Also, the impact of Hurricane Irma in 2017 demonstrated the severity of the flood risk in the area. Due to persistent rainfall and storm surge, the town experienced considerable flooding, which led to extensive evacuations and significant property damage. Such historical events underline the need for this coastal town to remain vigilant with meticulous hurricane preparedness plans.