Atlantic Beach, Florida, located directly on the East Coast, faces a constant threat from hurricanes due to its geographical location. The town's level elevation and coastal placement make it particularly prone to flooding, storm surges, and wind damage from hurricanes. In cases of significant hurricanes, the town could witness the destructive impact of the storm’s eyewall, known for the most devastating wind and rain. Moreover, since Atlantic Beach is a barrier island, it falls in evacuation Zone A, meaning it's the first to be called for evacuation when a hurricane nears. This, coupled with its being surrounded by bodies of water, can make escape routes susceptible to early flooding, thus complicating evacuation plans. In the last 30 years, Atlantic Beach has encountered several major hurricanes and floods, notably Hurricane Dora in 1964, which caused extensive damage in the area, and Hurricane Irma in 2017, which resulted in considerable flooding and wind damage. However, many storms have passed close enough to warrant hurricane warnings and necessitate preparations, even if the town did not ultimately suffer a direct hit. Forecasting the exact path of oncoming hurricanes is a complex task, and the severity of impacts can vary drastically depending upon subtle changes in the storm's direction and intensification rate. Furthermore, even in the absence of a direct hit, Atlantic Beach may experience peripheral effects like storm surge, heavy rains, and high winds from nearby storms. These features of the local geography and hurricane history must be considered when developing hurricane contingency plans for the locality.