Goulding, Florida, lies near the coastline, within the northern edge of the Florida Panhandle. Being near the Gulf of Mexico, it is vulnerable to hurricanes making landfall from these waters. Given its low altitude, approximately 16 feet above sea level, Goulding is at increased risk for storm surge and flooding, particularly during high tide, due to hurricanes. It’s important to consider that heavy rainfall, wind damage, power outages, and interruption to supply chains are other substantial challenges that such tropical cyclones can pose. Historically, the most significant hurricane to have impacted this area in the past 30 years is Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Ranked as a Category 3 hurricane when it hit the Florida Panhandle, it induced devastating storm surge in and around Goulding and caused significant wind damage. More recently, Goulding was also affected by Hurricane Sally in 2020, which resulted in widespread flooding due to prolonged, heavy rainfall. These instances underscore the town's vulnerability to hurricanes and flooding, underscoring the need for preparation and sustained efforts to improve resilience.