County: Pasco
ZIP Codes: 34668, 34653
New Port Richey East, located in Pasco County, Florida, holds a substantial risk for hurricane impacts due to its proximity to the coast. This location experiences high rainfall levels during hurricanes, translating to a significant flood risk for the region, especially considering it is at a relatively low elevation. Torrential rains, storm surges, and the region's stormwater drain system's potential inability to handle the ingress of hurricane-induced rainfall are significant factors to consider. The coastal proximity brings increased vulnerability to the often destructive and highly unpredictable hurricanes that frequently assail Florida's coasts. Historically, significant hurricanes that have impacted New Port Richey East include Hurricane Andrew (1992), which brought substantial damage to the Florida coast, even though its direct impact was more focused towards the southern part of the state. More recently, Hurricane Irma in 2017 also affected the town, causing power outages, property damage, and flooding. Chronic flooding has also been a perennial issue after extreme weather events due to the area's low-lying topography. Preparing for future storms should include steps to bolster stormwater management, the reinforcement of infrastructure, and the development of robust evacuation and disaster response plans.