County: Lake
ZIP Codes: 34715, 34729
Ferndale, located in Lake County, Florida, is inland and a relatively significant distance from both the Atlantic Ocean coast to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. Its elevation, over 100 feet above sea level, further reduces the risk of storm surge flooding compared to coastal areas. However, being in Central Florida, the area is not immune to hurricanes, and can be impacted by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and consequent freshwater flooding.
Historically, Ferndale has experienced several hurricane threats, though magnificent ones of note in the past 30 years have included Hurricane Charley in 2004, and Hurrican Irma in 2017. While hurricane Charley was a category 4 storm at landfall, by the time it reached Ferndale, it weakened significantly. The 2017 Hurricane Irma had a broader impact, releasing heavy rainfall that led to localized freshwater floods. Storms like these should serve as reminders that while Ferndale's geographical features may lessen certain hurricane impacts, property damages caused by high velocity winds and flooding from heavy rainfall still pose a considerable threat. Careful monitoring of developing tropical cyclones and effectual emergency planning remain pivotal in such regions.