County: Hillsborough
ZIP Codes: 33570, 33571, 33575
Ruskin, Florida, located along the coastline on Tampa Bay, is an area that has a significant hurricane risk. Its coastal proximity places it right within the most vulnerable zone of hurricanes that tend to follow a trajectory across the Gulf of Mexico or directly from the Atlantic Ocean. Ruskin's elevation is relatively low, with maximum heights of 11 feet above sea level, which makes it prone to storm surge threats and subsequent flooding during a hurricane. The risk of flooding is even more elevated as Ruskin is intersected by multiple inlets and small rivers, contributing to an increased water flow towards population centers during heavy rainfall. Regarding historical data, one of the most significant hurricanes affecting Ruskin in the past 30 years was Hurricane Irma in 2017. It brought storm surge, heavy rains, and powerful winds to Ruskin, causing significant flooding and property damage. Since then, Ruskin has also witnessed smaller storm events connected to tropical storms and hurricanes moving through the Gulf or crossing Florida. These historical events warn of future threats, even though every hurricane is unique and poses different challenges. Therefore, residents should ensure flood protection for their properties, evacuation plans, and emergency supplies as part of their hurricane preparedness.