County: Bradford
ZIP Codes: 32058
Lawtey, Florida, is somewhat shielded from the immediate impact of hurricanes due to its somewhat inland location; however, it isn't immune to the dangers and disruption that these massive storms can inflict. It's approximately 40 miles from the nearest coastline, the distance does lower the risk of storm surges. However, high-speed winds, heavy rainfall, and the resulting flooding are still significant considerations. Florida predominantly flat terrain, including Lawtey, which has an average elevation of about 200 feet, contributes to the flood risk. The geographic characteristics make the area particularly prone to flooding during heavy rainfall, which is often a result of hurricanes. The local weather history shows multiple instances when Lawtey was affected by hurricanes. In the last three decades, Hurricane Irma in 2017 directly impacted Lawtey, resulting in periods of heavy rain and strong winds. The historical records also show that even those hurricanes that made landfall on the coast鈥攍ike Hurricanes Floyd and Frances鈥攃aused extended periods of rainfall, leading to flooding in the region. Thus, while Lawtey's distance from the coast somewhat shields it from the most severe hurricane impacts, its flood risk due to heavy rainfall remains a significant threat and should be a primary consideration during hurricane season.