County: Orange
ZIP Codes: 32830
Bay Lake, Florida, which is home to the world-renowned Walt Disney World, can face significant threats due to hurricanes despite its inland location. While it is not directly on the coast and therefore often spared from the initial impact of storm surge typically associated with coastal areas, Bay Lake should still be well-prepared for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential tornadoes that hurricanes can bring. The town sits at a relatively low elevation, essentially at sea level, which can contribute to a high risk of flooding, especially during periods of intense or prolonged rainfall. Historically, Bay Lake, due to its inland positioning, hasn't been directly hit by a major hurricane in the last 30 years. Nevertheless, the town has experienced effects of major hurricanes passing through or near Florida. Impacts of such storms include Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Charley in 2004, where Bay Lake witnessed high winds, rainfall, and resultant localized flooding. The biggest threat remains torrential rain and potential flooding, alongside the damage high winds and tornadoes can do to homes, power lines, and infrastructure. As such, town officials and residents should remain mindful of this when planning hurricane preparedness strategies.