Fountainebleau, Florida, situated approximately 14 miles west of the Miami coast, is inherently susceptible to hurricane threats due partially to its relatively low elevation (average 3m) and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. When hurricanes move inland and start to lose strength, how fast they decay depends on the initial intensity of the storm and the terrain features. Fountainebleau's unique terrain, which includes large areas of low-lying land, and its proximity to the coast, make it vulnerable to tropical storm-induced flooding. Specifically, during significant rain events or storm surges, such areas can become inundated, leading to potential property damage and disruption to local services. Additionally, increased storm intensities under warmer climate scenarios could further exacerbate these vulnerabilities.

Over the past 30 years, Fountainebleau has witnessed several significant hurricanes and floods. Some of the most memorable include Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which was one of the most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history. More recently, Hurricane Irma in 2017, a Category 4 storm, caused significant flooding and property damage in the area. These hurricanes remind us of the potential destructive powers of such storms, serving as stark reminders of the importance of adopting appropriate protective measures and mitigation strategies when preparing for hurricanes and floods.