County: Okaloosa
ZIP Codes: 32579
Shalimar, located in Northwest Florida, is nestled very near the Gulf Coast, which positions it as an area relatively susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms. The town's proximity to the coast combined with its low-lying elevation increases its risk of being subjected to storm surges, especially during high tide. Major hurricanes have the potential to create a substantial surge that could inundate the region, leading to severe flooding. Historically, Shalimar has felt the impact of several tropical systems. Notably, in the last 30 years, Hurricane Opal (1995) and Hurricane Ivan (2004) caused significant damages in the region due to their high winds and intense rain. Flooding is a high risk due to the town's topography and the many bodies of water that surround and intersect it. Considering the hurricane threat and the possible flooding, preparedness measures in Shalimar need to be comprehensive, accounting for risks related to high wind damage, potential storm surge and heavy rain-induced flooding.