County: Putnam
ZIP Codes: 32177, 32178



Palatka, located in Putnam County, Florida, lies roughly 60 miles from the coast, which could prove to provide a buffer from the intense immediate coastline impacts of a hurricane, such as storm surges. However, Palatka is not immune to the dangers of high winds, heavy rainfall, and tornadic activity commonly associated with hurricanes. The town's relatively low elevation, with most of the area sitting at or below 50 feet above sea level, combined with the proximity to the St. Johns River, increases the potential for inland flooding during heavy rain events. Historically, Palatka has experienced periods of flooding following tropical systems, specifically when those systems move slowly or stall over the state, allowing copious amounts of rainfall to accumulate. Reviewing the past 30 years, one of the significant hurricanes that impacted Palatka was Hurricane Irma in 2017. As a menacing Category 4 hurricane, Irma caused extensive damage to Palatka — primarily in the form of potent gusty winds, despite the city's inland status. The rainfall also led to excessive runoffs and subsequent flooding of the St Johns River, impacting local homes and businesses. In 2004, Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne also brought heavy rain and wind to the town. Therefore, local residents, town planners, and emergency services must remain informed and prepared for hurricanes and other tropical cyclic disturbances. This area's planning should also take into account not only immediate impacts but also the potential for riverine flooding in the days following the storm due to the levels of the St Johns River.






This page shows the hurricane evacuation zone for Palatka, 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 Palatka, 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.