County: Orange
ZIP Codes: 32792, 32789, 32790
Located in central Florida, about 140 miles from the East Coast and 70 miles from the Gulf Coast, Winter Park has a moderate risk of being impacted by hurricanes. The town's inland location lends it some protection from the storm surges that tend to accompany coastal hurricanes, yet it remains vulnerable to the heavy rainfall, fierce winds, and tornadoes that are associated with these tropical systems. Winter Park's relatively low elevation, with most of the city below 100 feet, could lead to localized flooding problems, especially in heavy rainfall events. The city has some small lakes and waterways which could experience flash flooding. Historically, Winter Park has not been directly struck by major hurricanes but has dealt with the effects of several significant storms in the past 30 years. The city felt the impact of Hurricane Charley in 2004, which caused major wind damage and heavy rainfall. The following month, Hurricane Frances brought more torrents of rain, exacerbating already soggy conditions and causing further flood damage. Then, barely two weeks after Frances, Hurricane Jeanne made a final pass over the area, compounding the damage from the previous storms. All these considered, residents of Winter Park should still prepare for hurricanes during the season from June through November, ensuring to have emergency plans and supplies in place.