County: Hillsborough
ZIP Codes: 33624, 33618, 33688
Carrollwood, Florida, being centrally located, is only a short drive away from the west coast of Florida. Although this geographical location is a little more inland than many coastal communities, it also means that Carrollwood residents are not completely exempt from the hurricane threats that other areas in Florida face. Based on topographic considerations, Carrollwood's relatively low elevation (less than 50 feet above sea level) presents a potential risk for flooding during severe storm surges or heavy rains associated with tropical systems. Historically, areas such as this can be prone to pluvial flooding from exceedingly torrential rain, particularly so in hurricane conditions. Over the past 30 years, the area has also been indirectly affected by various significant hurricanes, including Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Hurricane Charley in 2004. These hurricanes did not make their direct landfall in Carrollwood, but they still brought substantial rain and winds to the area, causing flooding and wind damage. Hurricane Irma's passing, for instance, caused widespread power outages and localized flooding in the Carrollwood area. As such, in the event of a hurricane threat, the residents of Carrollwood are advised to both consider their potential exposure to strong winds, which can result in downed trees and structural damage, and the risk of both flash floods and more sustained flooding.