County: St. Johns
ZIP Codes: 32082
Palm Valley, Florida, falls within the hurricane-prone areas due to its coastal location. While it is not directly on the coast, the town is close enough to the shore that it's exposed to significant threats during a hurricane. Its relatively low elevation further adds to these risks, amplifying the impact of high winds and storm surge from the Atlantic Ocean. One of the major considerations for the area is the risk of flooding - whether from excessive rainfall or storm surge. Flooding can lead to property damage, power outages, road closures, and drinking water contamination. Over the past 30 years, Palm Valley has seen its share of impactful storms. For example, in 1995, Hurricane Erin caused significant damage to the area and in 2004, the town was hit hard again by Hurricane Frances. Again in 2017, Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 hurricane at its peak, caused extensive flooding and damage in Palm Valley. Therefore, it’s critical that residents of Palm Valley take hurricane threats seriously, and make the necessary preparations for hurricane season each year. These can include ensuring they have flood insurance, securing their home against wind damage, and having an emergency plan in place.