County: Charlotte
ZIP Codes: 33950
Solana, Florida, located in Charlotte County, is in a high-risk zone for hurricanes due to its proximity to the coast. Given its low elevation, storm surges carrying seawater inland pose a significant, potentially devastating flood risk during a hurricane. Hurricanes can also cause heavy rainfall leading to freshwater flooding, another considerable threat for Solana, especially during periods of above-average rainfall or when the ground is already saturated. Furthermore, high-speed winds typical in a hurricane pose a substantial risk of damage to buildings, trees, and infrastructure. Power outages are another concern during hurricanes due to damage to electrical lines and equipment. Historically, Solana has been directly impacted by significant hurricanes. Specifically, looking back onto the past 30 years, hurricanes Charlie in 2004 and Irma in 2017 were particularly impactful for this coastal town, causing severe damage due to high winds, heavy rainfall and flooding. In both cases, recovery was slow and challenging, due to extensive infrastructural damage and the need for significant disaster relief efforts. Hence, the residents of Solana should always be prepared by planning evacuation routes, having supplies ready, and ensuring their homes are as fortified as possible especially during the hurricane season.