County: Clay
ZIP Codes: 32079, 32043
Penney Farms, Florida, located approximately 25 miles from the Atlantic Coast, is susceptible to significant impacts from hurricanes, including strong winds and heavy rainfall. One of the primary threats in this town due to its low-lying elevation is the potential for flooding. This is especially true in the event of a slow-moving or stalled hurricane that can deliver prolonged rainfall to the area, leading to river or flash flooding. The town's distance from the coast does provide a buffer against some direct impacts like storm surge, but it isn't immune from indirect effects such as rising water levels in nearby bodies of water that can contribute to flooding.
In the last 30 years, Penney Farms has experienced several major hurricanes. One of the most notable was Hurricane Irma in 2017, which resulted in considerable wind damage and flooding in the town and surrounding areas. In 2004, Hurricane Frances also produced heavy rainfall leading to considerable flooding. The potential for wind damage, flooding, and the often overlooked factor of long-term power outages is a serious consideration for this area when hurricanes threaten. The town’s older population and semi-rural surroundings can also exacerbate the situation as it can disrupt emergency services and pose transportation challenges, further highlighting the importance of thorough preparedness and evacuation planning.