Marianna, Florida, while not a coastal town, is still susceptible to considerable hurricane threats due to its location in the Panhandle region. Historically, hurricanes sweeping up from the Gulf of Mexico have generatetorrential rains, strong winds, and even spawned tornadoes throughout the area. The city's distance from the coast, roughly 65 miles, does not significantly insulate it from these effects. Additionally, its relatively low elevation, particularly in areas around Chipola River, intensifies the risk of flooding during and after a storm.

In the last 30 years, Marianna has experienced several notable hurricanes and floods. The most significant was Hurricane Michael in 2018, which made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane. While Marianna was not in the direct path, the town still suffered serious damages due to high winds and heavy rains. Repeated hurricane impacts have underscored the need for residents to heed evacuation orders, secure property, and have a plan of action in place. It is also crucial to account for the possibility of prolonged power outages and disruption of essential services following a severe storm.