County: Gadsden
ZIP Codes: 32333
Havana, Florida, while being a fairly inland town, is approximately 33 miles away from the Gulf Coast. This closer proximity to the coast means that Havana is not completely invulnerable to the impacts of a hurricane or tropical storm. The town's elevation, averaging about 259 feet above sea level, means it does not carry a high risk for storm surge but heavy rainfall could result in flash flooding or swelling of nearby water bodies. Furthermore, Havana's inland location could make it susceptible to strong winds and tornadoes, a common side-effect of hurricanes. Looking into the weather history, the town has been affected by numerous tropical cyclones over the past 30 years. Notably, Hurricane Michael in October 2018, which caused extensive damage to the entire Florida Panhandle region due to both high winds and flooding. As a Category 5 hurricane, Michael was associated with high wind gusts and heavy rainfall causing flooding in many low-lying areas. With Havana's proximity to Tallahassee, significant power outages from downed trees could also be a concern during hurricane events. Therefore, while Havana may not be directly on the coast, the threat of wind damage, localized flooding, and potential for tornadoes during a hurricane event still pose a significant risk to the community.