County: Levy
ZIP Codes: 32693
Fanning Springs, Florida, is situated approximately 15 miles east of The Gulf of Mexico, predominantly falling within the storm surge vulnerability zone with a potential threat for coastal inundation during a hurricane event. Its proximity to the coast renders the region subjected to high risks of hurricanes and tropical storms, coupled with sizeable flood threats due to the town's relatively low elevation and its location along the Suwannee River. Historical flood records for Fanning Springs indicate significant flooding can occur particularly during hurricanes and times of heavy rainfall events. In the past 30 years, Fanning Springs feasibly experienced the impacts of major hurricanes and floods that have hit or skirted the Florida Gulf Coast. Most notably Hurricane Hermine in 2016, whose impacts were especially deleterious, leading to substantial flooding and wind damage in the area. Moreover, high rainfall events from hurricanes can significantly enhance the flood risk due to the capacity of the Suwannee River to overflow its banks, causing flooding in adjacent low-lying areas. As hurricanes are an inherent part of Florida's weather patterns, it's critically important for residents of Fanning Springs to take precautions during hurricane season, including staying updated with real-time weather information, having an emergency evacuation plan in place, and taking steps to safeguard their homes against potential storm damage.