County: Orange
ZIP Codes: 32703, 32793
South Apopka, Florida, is situated in the central region of the state, approximately 40 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean and 60 miles northeast of the Gulf of Mexico. Despite being significantly inland, this location is not entirely insulated from hurricanes and tropical storms, particularly those that maintain their intensity or regain strength as they travel overland. The town's inland location, however, may grant it some protection against storm surges, which can be one of the most deadly aspects of a coastal tropical storm. As for elevation, South Apopka is relatively flat, with an average elevation of only about 100 feet above sea level, which could increase its risk of flooding, particularly in a substantial rainfall event. In terms of historical flood risk, the area around Apopka has seen severe flooding from past tropical systems. Compact, deeply saturated soils, common in Florida, can amplify flooding during heavy rain events often associated with tropical systems. Regarding past hurricanes, in 1992 Hurricane Andrew passed south of the region but still delivered high winds and heavy rain. More recently, in 2004, Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Jeanne all passed through or near the region in quick succession, causing extensive damage. During 2017, Hurricane Irma, while not a direct hit, brought significant rainfall leading to extensive localized flooding. These historical events suggest that residents should maintain preparedness for both wind-damage and flooding during a tropical weather event.