County: Marion
ZIP Codes: 32664
McIntosh, Florida, has a moderate hurricane threat level due to its location in central Florida. Though it is around 60 miles inland from both the East and Gulf Coasts, hurricanes traversing the state could potentially affect the town with high winds, heavy rain, and possible tornadoes spawned by the storm. The town rests at a low elevation, about 75 feet above sea level, making it somewhat susceptible to flooding, especially during significant rain events. However, its distance from the coast does provide some buffer against storm surge typically associated with coastal hurricanes. Looking at historical storm events, McIntosh has weathered several major hurricanes and tropical storms over the past few decades. For example, in 2004, it was affected by three significant hurricanes: Charley, Frances, and Jeanne. These storms brought wind damage and a significant amount of rain, leading to localized flooding. Additionally, Hurricane Irma in 2017 also caused substantial damage in the town and surrounding areas due to strong wind gusts and heavy rainfall. Despite these events, McIntosh's inland location has generally helped mitigate the most severe impacts of these systems. Still, residents should remain prepared and vigilant given the town's vulnerability to flooding and wind damage from such storms.