Blountstown, located further inland (approx 60 miles from the coast), offers some protection against initial hurricane landfalls but is not immune to their impacts. The town's elevation is relatively low, averaging about 66 feet above sea level. One major concern is significant rainfall leading to flooding. Historical data indicates a moderate flood risk due to the proximity of the Apalachicola River and its tributaries. These water bodies may quickly rise when heavy rainfalls during hurricanes, thus causing flash floods that can damage properties and infrastructures. In addition, high-speed winds from these storms could cause substantial structural damage or down trees, impacting power lines and posing severe threats to safety. In terms of past impacts, Hurricane Michael in October 2018 was the most destructive in recent memory for Blountstown. The Category 5 hurricane caused catastrophic damage to the entire region with winds over 150 mph. Before that, Hurricane Opal (1995) and The Flood of 1994 due to the Tropical Storm Alberto had also caused widespread flood damage in the area. It's crucial to consider these historical events when planning hurricane preparedness in Blountstown and understand that the risk continues despite being located further inland. Evacuation plans, flood defenses, and infrastructure reinforcement should be top priorities in mitigating potential hurricane impacts.