County: Bay
ZIP Codes: 32404, 32405, 32444
Lynn Haven, Florida, is situated very close to the Gulf of Mexico, making it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of hurricanes. The town's elevation is remarkably low, with most areas no more than nine feet above sea level. This low-lying geography makes it highly susceptible to storm surges, one of the primary challenges associated with hurricanes. Historically, Lynn Haven has experienced multiple flooding events due to the combination of storm surges, heavy rain and its proximity to several large bodies of water. Some of the most significant hurricane impacts on Lynn Haven in the past 30 years include Hurricane Opal in 1995 and Hurricane Michael in 2018. Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 storm, was particularly destructive, causing catastrophic damage to the town. With projected changes in climate, which have the potential to increase the intensity and frequency of hurricanes, the hurricane risk for Lynn Haven is expected to escalate. To mitigate these threats, residents should ensure that they are adequately prepared for hurricanes by safeguarding their properties, understanding evacuation routes, and staying up to date with local weather forecasts during hurricane season.