County: Santa Rosa
ZIP Codes: 32583
Mulat, Florida, inherently faces a significant risk of hurricane impacts, primarily due to its location near the coast along the northern Gulf of Mexico. Its proximity to the coast is a matter of concern as coastal areas typically bear the brunt of hurricane winds, storm surge, and heavy rainfall, leading to flooding. Further, due to its relatively low-lying elevation, Mulat is greatly susceptible to flooding, both from rain-driven freshwater flooding and storm surge inundation. Considering these, residents should plan for potential impacts including structural harm to buildings, the displacement of the population, and threats to public health and safety. Historically, Mulat has witnessed several major hurricanes and floods. More recently in 2004, Mulat was severely affected by Hurricane Ivan, which caused widespread damage and flooding. Furthermore, Mulat was also affected by Hurricane Michael in 2018, a Category 5 hurricane that proved to be catastrophic. Despite being better prepared for Hurricane Sally in 2020, the region experienced excessive rain and flooding. We should not only consider these previous disasters when preparing but also keep in mind how the changing climate might influence future impacts. Hence, it is mandatory for the people of Mulat to be vigilant about emergency preparedness, have robust evacuation plans, and follow local news and weather reports for the latest storm predictions.