County: Highlands
ZIP Codes: 33852, 33862
Lake Placid, situated inland in Florida, does pose some level of threat when it comes to hurricanes due to its geographical location and history of past storms. The town is less vulnerable to the immediate storm surge that coastlines typically face, but heavy rainfall associated with hurricanes and tropical storms can lead to high levels of accumulated water, resulting in extensive flooding. Despite its relatively higher elevation compared to coastal cities, Lake Placid's location within a lake system exposes it to increased possibilities of rainfall-induced flood scenarios. Over the last 30 years, a number of hurricanes have made their way across Florida, and Lake Placid has been impacted indirectly, mainly through excessive rain and high-speed winds. Notably, Hurricane Irma in 2017 caused severe damage across the state, including Lake Placid, through its strong winds, heavy rainfall, and resultant flooding. It resulted in power outages and blockage of major highways due to fallen trees. Another significant hurricane was Charley in 2004, which took a similar trajectory across the state, resulting in widespread damage in Lake Placid. The town's vulnerability to heavy rainfall, strong winds, and resultant inland flooding necessitates that the individuals, families, and businesses therein take hurricane threats seriously by preparing adequately for such scenarios. Emergency planning and management, coupled with proper infrastructure and drainage systems, are key to reducing the potential impacts of such storms.