County: Marion
ZIP Codes: 34432, 34431
Dunnellon, Florida, situated in Marion County, an inland area of Florida, still faces potential risks from hurricanes, primarily from torrential rains and associated flooding. Its inland location reduces its direct exposure to storm surges, which are typically a significant coastal hazard during hurricanes. However, Dunnellon's elevation, averaging around 28 feet, does not offer significant protection against prolonged rainfall, which could lead to flash floods, particularly along the prolific waterways such as Rainbow River and Withlacoochee River. Although Dunnellon hasn't experienced any major inundations in recent years, rainfall resulting from a hurricane's landfall anywhere in Florida can have significant impacts and needs to be seriously considered. Historically, Dunnellon has been impacted by several notable hurricanes. In the past 30 years, these include hurricanes Charley in 2004 and Irma in 2017. Hurricane Charley, a category 4 storm, primarily affected the western side of Florida but still caused considerable wind and water damage in Marion County. More recently, Hurricane Irma brought significant flooding to areas near Dunnellon. The storm, which traversed the entire Florida peninsula, impacted virtually every part of the state with its heavy rain and strong winds. Historical data, therefore, supports the need for sustained vigilance in Dunnellon during hurricane season.