County: Seminole
ZIP Codes: 32750
Longwood, Florida, while a bit inland and not directly on the coastline, is still susceptible to the threats posed by hurricanes, including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential tornadoes spun off by the storm. Its relatively low elevation implies that there isn't much natural defense against possible floodwaters. This, combined with its subtropical climate which can enhance considerable rainfall, put Longwood at a degree of flood risk, particularly if a storm stalls over the region or drops an intense amount of rain in a short time, as was the case with Hurricane Irma in 2017. Speaking of history, Longwood has been affected by multiple major hurricanes in the past 30 years. Some notable ones include Hurricane Charley in 2004, which caused significant damage in the area, and the aforementioned Hurricane Irma, which caused widespread flooding and power outages in Longwood among other places. Each of these instances offers a model of the extreme weather events that could again pose a threat to Longwood's communities and infrastructure. Thus, while Longwood does not bear the direct brunt of landfalling hurricanes like coastal communities, it still faces potential serious impacts during hurricane season and must remain adequately prepared.