County: Santa Rosa
ZIP Codes: 32565
Mount Carmel, Florida, being inland and at a higher elevation than most coastal areas, would generally experience less direct impact from hurricane systems as compared to coastal neighborhoods. However, the town is not immune to the impacts of these weather systems. Strong winds are a major consideration, with the potential for them to cause significant structural damage to homes and other buildings in the town. Hurricanes also often spawn tornadoes, which would present an added threat. Mount Carmel historically has a lower flood risk due to its distance from the coast and higher elevation, lessening the threat of storm surge flooding. However, persistent and heavy rainfall from a slow-moving or stalling hurricane could still pose a flooding risk, particularly in low-lying areas or spots with poor drainage. Over the past 30 years, several major storm systems have impacted the region. However, two distinct ones would be Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which devastated many parts of Florida, and Hurricane Irma in 2017, both of these events should serve as reminders of the potential risks associated with hurricane activity. While Mount Carmel was not as directly affected as the coastal areas, it still experienced high winds, heavy rainfall, and subsequent property damage. Hence, preparation ahead of hurricane season is crucial, including reinforcement of buildings against high winds and creating contingency plans for potential evacuations in the case of extreme weather events.