East Palatka, located in Putnam County, is roughly 27 miles inland from Florida's Atlantic coast. Residing at an elevation of 23 feet (7 meters), East Palatka is prone to extensive flooding during heavy rainfall events, more so during hurricane-induced downpours. Historically, the town has experienced significant flood incidents mainly due to its proximity to the large St. Johns River, which tends to spill over its banks during hurricanes and major storm events. Therefore, it's important for East Palatka residents to prepare for potential storm surge, flash flooding, and high winds when hurricanes threaten their area. A major hurricane that impacted East Palatka occurred in 1998: Hurricane Georges, which caused localized severe flooding. The town was severely affected by other regional floods in 2004 and 2008, largely influenced by Hurricanes Frances, Jeanne, and Fay. More recently, in 2017, Hurricane Irma caused significant flooding in areas along the St. Johns River, including East Palatka. The hurricane also brought high winds, leading to considerable property damage. These instances indicate that East Palatka is genuinely susceptible to destructive hurricane impacts including, but not limited to, high winds, torrential rain, and flooding, both from the river and from storm surges along the coast. Consequently, residents should always remain vigilant during the hurricane season, which extends from June 1 through November 30.