County: Polk
ZIP Codes: 33813
Lakeland Highlands, located in central Florida, while not directly on the coast, is still vulnerable to the impacts of hurricanes. The town is relatively flat, with an average elevation of around 200 feet. This low-lying region is prone to flash flooding during severe storms, particularly during the heavy rainfall associated with hurricanes. The proximity to large bodies of water such as the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico greatly increases the threat of hurricanes as well. In addition, due to this distance from the coast, storms may still be quite strong when they reach Lakeland Highlands, potentially leading to serious wind damage. Looking back over the past few decades, several major hurricanes have directly or indirectly impacted the Lakeland Highlands area. For instance, Hurricane Charley in 2004 caused extensive damage in parts of central Florida, while more recently, 2017's Hurricane Irma resulted in significant flooding and damage in the region. Additionally, the remnants of 1992’s Hurricane Andrew, one of the most powerful hurricanes to ever hit Florida, also caused damage in Lakeland Highlands even though the majority of the storm’s damage was concentrated around Miami. Preparedness for such events is crucial and can be improved by examining these historical cases and assessing their impact on infrastructure and communities.