Winter Garden, Florida, being about 15 miles west of downtown Orlando and approximately 70 miles inland from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, is typically more protected from the direct impact of hurricanes compared to the coastal regions of Florida. However, potential impacts from hurricanes for this region can still be significant, mainly involving powerful winds and torrential rain leading to flooding. While Winter Garden is not a high-risk flood zone due to its inland location and slightly higher elevation - mostly around 100 feet above sea level - hurricanes can still cause substantial freshwater flooding from continual heavy rains. This is especially a concern in lower lying areas and near bodies of water like Lake Apopka. In terms of historical major hurricanes that impacted Winter Garden in the last 30 years, Hurricane Charley in 2004 was quite significant. Although Winter Garden didn't face the brunt of the storm, they still received hurricane-force wind gusts and considerable rain leading to power outages and property damage. In 2017, Hurricane Irma also brought torrential rain to the region, causing flooding and wind damage. It's important to note that even though Winter Garden is inland, tracking and intensity of hurricanes can change rapidly, and all residents should have a preparedness plan in place during the Atlantic Hurricane season.