Sanford, Florida, located approximately 27 miles from the Atlantic coastline, has a certain degree of vulnerability when it comes to hurricanes. Factors such as its distance from the coast and its relatively low elevation make the town more susceptible to storm surges, powerful winds, and heavy rainfall, all of which are associated with hurricanes. Sanford is also located on the southern shore of Lake Monroe and the headwaters of the St. Johns River, thereby increasing its potential flood risk. The city's lower elevation and specific geographic location increase its exposure to both riverine and flash flooding following heavy hurricane-induced rainfall. Historically, Sanford has experienced direct hits from major hurricanes, a notable one being Hurricane Charley in 2004 which caused widespread devastation. More recently, Hurricane Irma in 2017 led to significant flooding along the St. Johns river. Given the city's history and geographic properties, it's extremely crucial for Sanford residents to heed storm warnings and follow safety protocols due to the high risk of flooding and damaging winds. Furthermore, infrastructure preparedness and emergency planning are vital to mitigate potential damages from future hurricanes or major storms.