County: Duval
ZIP Codes: 32266
Neptune Beach, being a coastal city in Florida, is certainly susceptible to the damages brought by hurricanes. The town's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean places it in a high-risk zone for storm surges and tropical cyclones. Neptune Beach has an average elevation of around 10 feet, which exacerbates the risk from sea-level rise and storm surges, common occurrences during hurricanes. Increasing wave run-up can lead to beach erosion, thus impacting not only residential areas but also local economies that depend on tourism. Flooding is also a significant concern since Neptune Beach's low elevation makes it susceptible to both coastal and inland flooding during heavy rainfalls associated with hurricanes. Looking at the historical impacts, Neptune Beach was severely affected by Hurricane Irma in 2017 which caused significant flooding and property damage. Similarly, Hurricane Matthew in 2016 caused beach erosion and flooding in the area. More distant, but still within the 30-year mark, is Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which also left a substantial impact. It's important for residents and city officials to consider these factors and take appropriate measures for hurricane preparedness like ensuring robust drainage systems, proper urban planning, maintaining vegetation for shoreline stabilization, and setting up effective early warning systems.