Ave Maria, Florida, located approximately 20 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico, is not as vulnerable as coastal towns to extreme storm surge; however, its relatively low elevation can expose it to potential flood risks from excessive rainfall or slow-moving systems. The predominantly flat topography of southern Florida coupled with its high water table can result in widespread flooding following heavy rain, with low-lying areas particularly susceptible. As the town is in a hurricane-prone region, potential hurricane impacts include high winds, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding. Infrastructure and property damage can be considerable if a storm were to take a direct hit. It's also worth noting that high winds can cause power outages that may sustain for a prolonged period. Historically speaking, Ave Maria has been in the pathway of significant hurricanes over the past 30 years. In particular, Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and Hurricane Irma in 2017 are two noteworthy storms that have caused widespread damage in the region. Although Andrew's direct hit was more to the south, the hurricane's immense size meant that Ave Maria and areas around it experienced powerful winds and rainfall. Irma, on the other hand, passed directly over the town bringing destructive winds, torrential rain, and extensive flooding. These events expose Ave Maria's vulnerability and highlight the need for improved preparation and response to such storms in the future.