County: Osceola
ZIP Codes: 34743, 34746, 34741, 34744, 34745
Kissimmee, Florida, despite being nearly 60 miles from both the east and west coasts, is not immune to the devastating effects of hurricanes. The town is prominently flat with an elevation of just 49 feet above sea level, which offers little resistance to flooding caused by torrential rains associated with hurricanes. Its location in central Florida means that while it can escape the direct hit of coastal landfall, it remains at significant risk for torrential rain, flash flooding, and high wind damage from powerful storm systems. It's vital to note that the Kissimmee River basin is notorious for its historical flood risk, making the region vulnerable to severe flooding when big storm systems move through. Historically, Kissimmee has faced several substantial hurricane impacts. Most notably, Hurricanes Charley (2004), Frances (2004), and Jeanne (2004) all passed nearby providing considerable wind and water damage. In 2017, Hurricane Irma's path curved over central Florida causing extensive damage and flooding in Kissimmee, despite the eye of the storm being over 100 miles away. Such storms demonstrate the potential for severe hurricane-based impacts in Kissimmee, despite the town's relative distance from the Florida coasts.