County: Citrus
ZIP Codes: 34433, 34434, 34445
Citrus Springs, Florida, although not directly on the Gulf Coast, is still very much susceptible to substantial impacts from hurricanes and tropical storms. Geographically, its positioning approximately 15 miles inland from the Gulf Coast along with its relatively low elevation leaves the community vulnerable to intense storm surge flooding during powerful hurricane events. Moreover, given the region's flat topography, a significant amount of rainfall can exacerbate flooding risks, particularly in low-lying areas. The vulnerability of local infrastructure, such as power supply and transportation links, also represents a significant potential impact which could lead to extended periods of isolation and loss of amenities for residents. From a historical perspective, several significant hurricanes have affected Citrus Springs over the past 30 years. Notably, Hurricanes Charley in 2004 and Irma in 2017 caused widespread damage in much of the area from both wind and flooding. The storms resulted in downed trees and power lines, homes and businesses damaged by high-speed winds, and widespread flooding due to the region’s low elevation. These events serve as a warning and attest to the region's high vulnerability to the potentially devastating effects of hurricanes. Consequently, residents of Citrus Springs need to take hurricane warnings seriously and should have robust preparedness plans in place.