Sarasota, Florida, is situated on the Gulf Coast and is therefore highly susceptible to hurricane threats. Due to its coastal location, Sarasota is vulnerable to high-intensity winds, heavy rainfall, and surges in sea level, all of which are characteristics of tropical cyclones. On average, Sarasota's elevation is around 16 feet above sea level, with some areas lower than that, this may result in significant flood risk for the city. Particularly during a hurricane, where storm surges may cause the sea level to rise dramatically, this could be exacerbated by heavy rainfall- another element that hurricanes can bring. Historically, Sarasota has been impacted by several major hurricanes. Most notably, Hurricane Irma in 2017, which caused widespread power outages and flooding throughout the city. In 2004, Hurricane Charley passed close to the area causing considerable damage. While the city directly hasn't been hit by many major hurricanes in the last 30 years, the events like Hurricane Michael in 2018 and other cyclones that struck the nearby areas should give Sarasota reason to maintain consistent preparedness for major storms. Particular attention should be paid to flood and storm surge preparedness due to the city's geographical and topographical features.