County: Clay
ZIP Codes: 32068, 32065, 32073, 32030
Lakeside, Florida, being located in the Northeastern region of Florida and within 25 miles of the coast, is at risk of hurricanes and tropical storms especially during the Atlantic hurricane season which lasts from June 1st to November 30th. Due to its proximity to the coast, the town could be subjected to impacts such as strong winds, heavy downpours, storm surges, and, subsequently, coastal and inland flooding. The town's elevation, despite being slightly higher than some coastal regions, is not significantly high enough to reduce the flood risk. Previous hurricanes, such as Hurricane Irma in 2017, inflicted considerable damage, causing severe flooding, power outages, and infrastructure damage. Historically, Lakeside and its surrounding Clay County have been significantly affected by major hurricanes, such as Hurricane Irma as mentioned earlier, but also by Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and Hurricane Dora in 1964. Flooding has been a recurring issue due to these weather events, not only from increased rainfall but also from the nearby St. Johns River, which can overflow its banks during major storm events. Therefore, storm preparedness which includes evacuation planning, reinforcing buildings for high wind events, and provisions for power outages, is vital for the residents of Lakeside, Florida.