County: Hillsborough
ZIP Codes: 33618, 33613, 33612, 33682, 33694
Lake Magdalene, Florida, situated in the interior part of the state and around 25 miles east of the Gulf of Mexico, is typically shielded from the direct strike of hurricanes that Florida's coastal communities are more prone to. However, the town is not entirely immune to hurricanes. Despite the distance from the coast, significant rain and wind damage could potentially occur, especially from larger, slower-moving storm systems that dump large amounts of rainfall inland. The town's low elevation (around 20-30 feet) can also contribute to concerns about flooding, both from heavy rainfall and if a storm were to push substantial amounts of water up the Hillsborough River. In the last 30 years, Lake Magdalene has witnessed the peripheries of some major storms. Particularly, Hurricane Irma in 2017 brought significant rainfall and wind damage, causing power outages as well as downed trees. The town also felt effects from tropical storms, such as Eta in 2020, where considerable rainfall raised concerns about potential flooding. Despite these past experiences, it's important to note that storms can be unpredictable, and risks can change depending on a multitude of factors including the storm’s intensity, size, and track. While the hurricane threat in Lake Magdalene may be lower than Florida's coastal towns, residents should still be prepared and have plans in place for potential severe weather situations.