County: Jefferson
ZIP Codes: 32344, 32361
Wacissa, Florida, is situated approximately 20 miles from Florida's Gulf Coast, which exposes it to potential hurricane threats, primarily during Atlantic hurricane season (June 1 - November 30). While Wacissa itself is not coastal, close proximity to the coast means tropical storm systems can still bring considerable wind, rainfall, and isolated tornado threats. Wacissa's elevation is relatively low, averaging 20 feet above sea level, which can exacerbate flooding risks from heavy rain and potential storm surge from nearby coastal areas. Historically, the area has experienced periodic flooding events, particularly during significant hurricanes. Increased rainfall could also lead to a rise in Wacissa River levels, thereby increasing the risk of riverine flooding. In the past 30 years, Wacissa has been affected by several major hurricanes and tropical storm events. Notable among these are Hurricane Kate in 1985 and Hurricane Hermine in 2016. Hurricane Hermine, a Category 1 storm, brought heavy rain, strong winds, and significant flooding to the Wacissa area. Similarly, Hurricane Michael in 2018, although its primary landfall location was to the west of Wacissa, caused damage in the town due to winds and heavy rainfall. Hence, evacuation plans, hurricane-proof constructions, and flood insurance coverage are essential considerations for residents of this flood-prone area. Also, community awareness about hurricane preparedness and responsiveness to evacuation orders is particularly important.