County: Sumter
ZIP Codes: 33597
Webster, Florida, is located in Sumter County, approximately 60 miles from the east and west coast; however, this does not exempt it from potential hurricane impacts. Hurricanes can move inland and still cause substantial damage. The town's relatively low elevation, with most land areas averaging 75 feet above sea level, makes it susceptible to potential flooding, particularly in heavy rain conditions brought by hurricanes. Because of its inland location, though, it is relatively more secure than coastal towns in terms of storm surge which is often the most damaging aspect of hurricanes. Over the past 30 years, Webster has indeed experienced the effects of various hurricanes and tropical storms. For instance, in 2004, Hurricane Frances, although weakened to a tropical storm, triggered heavy rains which caused significant flooding in parts of Sumter County. In 2017, Hurricane Irma, one of the strongest storms documented in the Atlantic, crossed Sumter County, causing flooding and power outages in Webster. Additionally, regular summer storms contribute to flood risks due to the area's low-lying topography and high average rainfall. Therefore, preparation for hurricanes and flood events should encompass not just protection from high winds, but include plans for potential flooding and power outages.