County: Lake
ZIP Codes: 34737
Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida, sits quite some distance from the coast, meaning it has reduced direct risk from storm surge associated with hurricanes and tropical storms. However, this town isn't completely safe from these occurrences. Torrential rains and strong winds accompanying these weather events often reach inland to towns like Howey-in-the-Hills. These can result in flooding, primarily due to the local topography and proximity to big bodies of water, such as Little Lake Harris. The town's relatively low elevation doesn't offer immunity from potential flood risks. The soil saturation during hurricane events can be a catalyst for flooding, producing a threat to local properties. Historically speaking, the Howey-in-the-Hills area has been hit by numerous hurricanes, tropical storms, and depressions over the last 30 years. Especially noteworthy was Hurricane Charley in 2004, causing significant damage within the region in the form of power outages, downed trees, and property damage. More recently, Hurricane Irma in 2017 brought significant rainfall, leading to floods and power outages. This historical precedent situates Hurricane threats as a relevant concern to the Howey-in-the-Hills community. The residents need to be well-prepared for any future hurricane events, even if they are located quite some distance from Florida's coastline.