County: Hillsborough
ZIP Codes: 33626
Westchase, Florida is located in Hillsborough County and is approximately 8 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico. Despite this distance from the coast, the town is still at considerable risk from hurricane impacts, particularly heavy rain and wind damage. Westchase's location in a relatively flat part of Florida, with an elevation ranging from 25-45 feet, does not provide any significant natural barriers against heavy rain, flooding or storm surges. The area is also susceptible to the long-term effects of hurricanes such as extended power outages, infrastructure damage, and potential disruption of transportation and other services. In examining the historical flood risk and past hurricane impacts on Westchase, we find clear evidence of this area's vulnerability. In the past 30 years, Westchase has been within the path of significant storms such as Hurricane Charley in 2004, Hurricane Irma in 2017, and more. These storms have led to substantial flooding, wind damage, and power outages in the area. For instance, Irma resulted in widespread flooding and power loss, even prompting a state of emergency in Hillsborough County. These instances highlight the potential threat posed by hurricanes in Westchase and underlines the importance of comprehensive storm preparation and response plans for residents and local authorities alike.