County: Santa Rosa
ZIP Codes: 32571, 32565
Chumuckla, Florida, being situated approximately 25 miles inland, isn't directly exposed to the initial landfall of a hurricane; however, that doesn't guarantee the town's safety from the destructive effects of hurricanes. Factors such as storm surge, widespread flooding, and high-speed winds often extend far from the coast. Elevation is not a significant factor for Chumuckla as it lies relatively flat, just slightly above sea level at 155 feet (47 meters). This does make it susceptible to heavy rainfall from a hurricane, which can lead to sudden floods. Prevailing weather dynamics can also result in tornadic activity, causing structural damage and presenting risks to life and property. Historically, numerous tropical cyclones have affected this region, with the remnants of hurricanes often bringing significant rain over several days leading to flooding. In 1995, Hurricane Erin caused heavy rain and flood in the nearby areas, even though the core passed east of Pensacola. More recently, in 2020, Hurricane Sally brought severe flooding to many parts of Florida, including areas close to Chumuckla. These historical events underscore the need for detailed hurricane preparedness planning including evacuation procedures and flood resilience measures in Chumuckla.