County: Jackson
ZIP Codes: 32442
Grand Ridge, Florida, while not situated directly on the coastline, is not immune to the hazardous impacts of hurricanes and tropical storms. At approximately 60 miles from the Gulf Coast, the town can experience the detrimental effects of these storms, including high wind speeds, heavy downpours, and possible tornadoes. Even at an elevation between 130-190 feet - offering some protection from storm surges - Grand Ridge is vulnerable to significant rainfall accumulations that can lead to flash flooding and river flooding, especially if the ground is already saturated from prior rainfall. The Chipola River, which lies approximately 6 miles to the west of the town, is a significant flood risk if a major hurricane hits the area. Looking at the history, some of the most impactful hurricanes to directly or indirectly affect Grand Ridge in the past 30 years include Hurricane Opal in 1995, Hurricane Ivan in 2004, and most recently, Hurricane Michael in 2018. Each of these hurricanes brought damaging winds and substantial rainfall, leading to widespread flooding and damage. Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 storm, was particularly devastating, with Grand Ridge encountering severe property and infrastructure damage. Additionally, the FEMA flood map reveals that some areas of Grand Ridge have a higher propensity for flooding. Therefore, future hurricane predictions and preparations should consider these historical precedents coupled with the existing local geography and infrastructure vulnerabilities.