County: Jackson
ZIP Codes: 32460
Sneads, Florida, located approximately 60 miles inland from the Gulf Coast, is far enough from the coastline that its primary hurricane threats are likely to be wind and rain as opposed to storm surge. However, the town's fairly flat terrain and low elevation also make it susceptible to flood risks from hurricanes. The Apalachicola River running nearby and various smaller lakes and streams in and around the town could potentially overflow their banks during episodes of heavy rainfall. Although located inland, the town can still experience high wind speeds, which can cause structural damage and power outages. Over the past 30 years, Sneads has experienced the impacts of several major storms and hurricanes. One notable event is Hurricane Michael in 2018, which caused extensive damage in the region due to its unprecedented intensity. The town was left without power, and there were also concerns about the structural integrity of the regional dam due to high inflow from significant rain. Although the worst storm surge impacts tend to occur in coastal communities, hurricanes can bring destructive winds and heavy rains well inland, such as to towns like Sneads. It's critical for everyone to remain vigilant and prepared, regardless of distance from the coast.