As a coastal town in Florida, Butler Beach faces significant risk from hurricanes and associated storm surges, especially during the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1 to November 30 every year. The town sits virtually at sea level, with its highest point only about 10 feet above sea level. This puts it in a position of severe vulnerability to flooding from heavy rainfall and, more importantly, storm surges which can reach heights of up to 20 feet or more in extreme cases. Given this, it is expected that a hurricane of considerable intensity could inundate the entire community under its storm surge.

In terms of historical context, Butler Beach has experienced numerous hurricanes over the past 30 years. Notably, Hurricane Matthew skidded the coast in 2016, causing significant erosion and flooding in the Butler Beach area. More recently, in 2017, Hurricane Irma also resulted in massive flooding and erosion, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. These past experiences indicate the potential for severe impact from future hurricanes. Residents must be prepared for events such as these, including the possibility of evacuation, as even a less intense hurricane can cause devastating damages given the topography and location of Butler Beach. Monitoring weather forecasts during hurricane season and having a disaster preparedness plan in place are strongly advised.