County: Orange
ZIP Codes: 32833
Wedgefield, Florida, situated inland of the Atlantic Ocean coast, is nonetheless highly susceptible to hurricane impacts. Given its Central Florida location, hurricane threats are primarily from extremely high winds, torrential rainfall, and the potential for rare tornado activity rather than direct storm surge. The town's modest elevation does not provide significant protection from flooding, particularly during hurricanes and tropical storms that can dump large quantities of rain over short periods. The flat topography around Wedgefield can lead to slow water runoff, exacerbating flooding risks. Flooding from hurricanes can cause significant property damage, as well as disrupt transportation, damage infrastructure, and pose a public safety hazard. Historically, Wedgefield has experienced the impact of several significant storms. In 2004, the town was affected by Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Jeanne in quick succession. These storms caused extensive wind and water damage, indicating the town's vulnerability to back-to-back storm events. More recently, Hurricane Irma in 2017 also caused substantial damage in and around Wedgefield, highlighting the considerable risk hurricanes pose to this community. Therefore, efforts to mitigate hurricane impacts, from strengthening infrastructure to improving emergency preparedness and response, are critical for the safety and resilience of Wedgefield residents.