County: Bay
ZIP Codes: 32403
Tyndall Air Force Base (AFB), Florida, is situated directly on the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico, making it especially vulnerable to hurricanes and their effects. Due to its low elevation of approximately 6-9 feet above sea level, the region is highly susceptible to storm surges, damaging wind, heavy rains, and flooding. These conditions, coupled with the area’s expansive coastal exposure, mean that even tropical storms and lower-grade hurricanes can cause substantial damage. In the past 30 years, Tyndall AFB has been hit by several significant storms, but none was as severe as Hurricane Michael in 2018. This category 5 hurricane devastated the airbase, causing extensive damage to almost every structure and leading to a massive rebuilding effort. Previously, in 1995, Category 3 Hurricane Opal passed to the west of Tyndall AFB, causing significant damage. Given this history and its geographical location, it is vital to maintain consistent hurricane preparedness and rapidly implement evacuation orders when a storm is imminent.