County: Nassau
ZIP Codes: 32034, 32035
Fernandina Beach, situated directly on the northeastern coastline of Florida, is highly susceptible to the winds and storm surges that frequent Atlantic hurricanes. The city's elevation, among the lowest in the state, raises the risk potential for coastal flooding. Fernandina Beach's relatively flat geography limits its natural drainage capabilities, thereby increasing the potential flood risk during significant precipitation events. This can be especially hazardous during a hurricane, where storm surges and incessant rainfall can lead to rapid flooding on low-lying lands. Moreover, a portion of the city is located on Amelia Island, a barrier island, which is the first line of defense against a coastal storm and can face substantial damage during a hurricane. As a historical point of reference, the town witnessed direct hits from Hurricane Dora in 1964 and Hurricane Irma in 2017, both of which resulted in significant flooding and damage. Hurricane Irma, particularly, caused storm tides of 4 to 6 feet above ground level, leading to widespread flooding in low-lying areas. Ahead of hurricanes, residents should take precautions such as bolstering home infrastructure against high-speed winds, ensuring accessible evacuation routes, and preparing for potential power outages and disruption to essential services. With global warmings playing its role, it is predicted that storms may increase in future, so a long-term factor to be taken into consideration is the implementation and upkeeping of sufficient flood defense measures.