County: Hillsborough
ZIP Codes: 33637, 33619, 33617, 33610, 33601, 33680
East Lake-Orient Park is relatively vulnerable to hurricanes being only about 10 miles away from Tampa Bay. Flooding is consequently a significant hazard due to heavy rainfall, proximity to the nearby Hillsborough River, and its low elevation, which averages only 8-12 feet above sea level. Surge-induced seawater can easily make its way inland with rising tides, posing a serious threat to residents and infrastructure. Given that the area is highly populated and urbanized, this can lead to extensive structural damage, road closures, power outages, and water supply disruptions. One of the most impactful hurricanes was Hurricane Irma in 2017, which famously devastated multiple regions in Florida. It caused substantial flooding in East Lake-Orient Park, leading to home evacuations and extensive property damage. Before Irma, in 1995, this area was also hard hit by Hurricane Opal and previously Hurricane Andrew which had significant flood-related impacts in 1992. Therefore, hurricane preparedness is critically important for residents in East Lake-Orient Park, Florida. Naturally, plans will have to include safeguards for high wind hazards, as well as flooding mitigation and reaction strategies. Moreover, effective evacuation systems should be in place considering the area's potential vulnerability.