County: Volusia
ZIP Codes: 32763, 32774
Orange City, Florida, though situated approximately 25 miles inland, is no stranger to the impacts of hurricanes and tropical storms. Its location can delay direct effects of a hurricane and potentially weaken the force compared to coastal cities. However, high wind speeds, heavy rain, and tornadoes spawned by these systems remain significant threats. The town's relatively low elevation increases the risk of flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rain. This risk is especially significant because of the town's infrastructure, geography, and the presence of several water bodies close by, including the St. Johns River and several smaller lakes, which could potentially overflow in a flood scenario or heavy rain event, especially if a storm stalls over the area. Over the last three decades, Orange City has experienced several major storms and their subsequent effects. For instance, in 1996, Hurricane Bertha brought with it locally heavy rain, while Hurricane Charley (2004) inflicted significant damage with its high winds. Hurricane Frances and Jeanne (both 2004) caused additional damage just weeks apart from each other. In 2008, Tropical Storm Fay dropped a significant amount of rain, leading to flash flooding in parts of the city. Most recently, Hurricane Irma (2017) led to widespread power outages and wind damage. Therefore, it becomes highly essential for residents to stay prepared and maintain their hurricane plans for such natural occurrences.