County: Alachua
ZIP Codes: 32615, 32616
Alachua, Florida, located in northwestern Florida and approximately 64 miles from the coastline, is not immune to the impacts of hurricanes, despite its distance from the coast. Major storms can bring dangerous weather conditions to this inland area, including gusty winds capable of causing structural damage and torrential rains that could lead to localized flooding. In particular, Alachua's relative lack of elevation (a mean elevation of roughly 72 ft) could potentially contribute to flood risk during extreme rainfall events. The region's topography, combined with the possibility of heavy rainfall, may facilitate the accumulation of water, especially if the rain falls over a short period of time. Historically, Alachua has been impacted by several significant meteorological events. Notably, Hurricane Irma in 2017 passed nearby, bringing significant rainfall and wind damage to the region. Also, in 2004, Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne caused trouble in the area with generous amounts of rain, storm surge, and wind damage. Floods are also a concern in the area, with significant impact coming from storms like Tropical Storm Debby in 2012, which dumped copious amounts of rain causing widespread flooding in north Florida. Therefore, while massive storm surge isn't a major threat for Alachua due to its inland position, the city does face potential hurricane-related risks in the form of wind damage and flooding.