County: Orange
ZIP Codes: 32809, 32839
Pine Castle, Florida, is situated in central Florida which inherently makes it slightly less susceptible to the most potent storm surge impacts from hurricanes compared to coastal areas. It has an elevation of 98 feet above sea level which can assist in reducing some flood risks. However, the town's proximity to several bodies of water like Lake Conway, combined with the heavy rainfall that hurricanes bring, still present a considerable risk of flooding. Moreover, its inland location doesn't protect it from the high winds and tornadoes that hurricanes often spawn, resulting in a significant risk for wind damage. Historically, Pine Castle has been affected by several major hurricanes and tropical storms over the past three decades. Notably, the town was affected by Hurricane Charley in 2004. With wind speeds at landfall estimated at 150 mph, Charley caused widespread damage to the area. More recently, in September 2017, Hurricane Irma caused widespread power outages and damage in Pine Castle. The consistent threat of hurricanes necessitates constant vigilance, preparation, and readiness to evacuate if necessary.