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.






This page shows the hurricane evacuation zone for Lakeland Highlands, Florida, based on official state and local data. Your evacuation zone indicates your area’s risk from storm surge and flooding during a hurricane or tropical storm. When officials issue evacuation orders, they often do so by zone (e.g., Zone A, Zone B), so knowing your zone helps you understand when and whether you may need to evacuate. Always confirm with the official state or county evacuation zone map linked above, as boundaries can be updated.
To see evacuation zones for other cities and towns in your state, visit our hurricane evacuation zones in FL page and choose a different town. For a full list of states we cover, see hurricane evacuation zones by state. You can also use our hurricane evacuation zone by ZIP code lookup to quickly find your zone by ZIP code.
Storm surge—water driven ashore by a hurricane—is one of the greatest threats to life and property in coastal and low-lying areas. Evacuation zones are drawn using elevation, historical surge data, and flood models so that the most vulnerable areas are identified in advance. If you are in a higher-risk zone, having an evacuation plan and a go-kit ready can save critical time when an order is issued. This hurricane evacuation zone lookup gives you a clear starting point so you can plan ahead and stay informed.
Hurricane preparedness goes beyond knowing your zone. It includes having an evacuation route, a family communication plan, emergency supplies (water, food, medications, important documents), and a plan for pets. The hurricane supplies list on this page is a good basis for a go-kit. We also recommend signing up for local emergency alerts and following your state and county emergency management offices for the latest evacuation zone information and orders.
The primary evacuation zone shown at the top of this page is derived from the same type of data that state and local emergency managers use. The map on this site helps you see where Lakeland Highlands, Florida sits in relation to zone boundaries. For the most authoritative and up-to-date boundaries, use the official “know your zone” or evacuation zone map link provided above; we link to it so you can verify your zone before and during hurricane season.
If you need to look up another address or town, return to our state evacuation zone page for FL to choose a different city or town, or go to our main hurricane evacuation zones by state page to switch states. Our ZIP code evacuation zone lookup is another way to quickly find hurricane evacuation zone information by ZIP code across the regions we support.
When a hurricane or tropical storm threatens, follow the guidance of your local emergency management office and the National Weather Service. Evacuation orders are issued based on the specific storm track and intensity, so your zone is a guide—not a substitute for official instructions. By using this site to find your evacuation zone and prepare in advance, you give yourself and your family a better chance of staying safe when the next storm approaches.