County: Flagler
ZIP Codes: 32080, 32137, 32086
Marineland, Florida, faces a significant hurricane threat given its coastal location. Being situated directly on the northeastern coast of Florida exposes it to the heavy onslaught of hurricanes and tropical storms. The town is also at a low elevation, which is typically coupled with a high risk of storm surges, flooding, and wind destruction, especially for properties located over or near bodies of water. Given its geographical position and elevation profile, evacuation processes should be prioritized and reinforced due to the potential for severe flooding and road damage. Historically, Marineland has experienced significant impacts from hurricanes. In 1996, the town was significantly affected by Hurricane Bertha and Fran, followed by Hurricane Floyd in 1999. More recently, Hurricane Matthew in 2016 caused substantial flooding and property damage in Marineland. Similarly, Hurricane Irma in 2017 resulted in floodings and power outages in the town. Noticeably, it was observed that flood risk escalated due to the rise in sea levels induced by climate change, leading to the increasing frequency of high-tide floods in Marineland over the past 30 years. The history and potential future projections of hurricanes and flooding in Marineland demand constant vigilance and preparedness strategies to mitigate the potential loss caused by these powerful storms.