County: Lake
ZIP Codes: 32726, 32736, 32727
Eustis, Florida, though somewhat inland, is not completely immune to the threats posed by hurricanes. Situated approximately 40 miles north-west from the east coast and not far from expansive water bodies like Lake Apopka and Lake Eustis, the town can be subjected to inundation due to storm surges caused by hurricanes and excessive rainfall. The elevation of Eustis ranges between 16-164 feet, so its uneven terrain adds an additional layer of complexity when it comes to flood analysis. The risk of flash floods in lower-lying areas cannot be overlooked during heavy rainfall events associated with hurricanes. Historic flood risk is relatively moderate but has shown a rising trend in recent years due to developing climatic patterns. Over the past 30 years, Eustis has felt the impacts of several notable tropical systems. Hurricane Charley in 2004 brought strong winds, intense rainfall, and caused a significant amount of damage throughout the region. More recently, Hurricane Irma, which made landfall in Florida in 2017, resulted in wide-ranging power outages and extensive property damage due to high wind speeds and heavy rain. While it remains important to monitor the potential direct impacts of a hurricane landfall, recognizing the extended impact of tropical systems regardless of their direct path will be critical for the residents of Eustis.