County: Orange
ZIP Codes: 32808, 32818, 32710, 32858, 32868, 32869
Pine Hills, Florida, located in Orange County, is inland, approximately 60 miles away from the nearest Atlantic coast. Elevation ranges from 50 to 100 feet above sea level. Its distance from the coast lowers the threat from direct storm surge events but the area isn't completely safe. Historically, Pine Hills experienes indirect effects of hurricanes such as heavy rain, high wind and tornadoes spun off by the storm system. Since it is often not the initial landfall location, Pine Hills tends to be impacted by degraded but still significant storms. The relatively lower elevation can increase susceptibility to flooding, especially following heavy rainfall. Over the past three decades, Pine Hills has faced several substantial hurricanes and associated with them rainfall which caused flooding across the region. The most significant hurricanes include: Hurricanes Charley (2004), Frances (2004), Jeanne (2004), and Irma (2017). Hurricane Charley specifically was a Category 4 storm and was described as the strongest hurricane to hit the area since Hurricane Donna in 1960. It caused power outages, home damages, and copious rainfall that led to localized flooding. Hurricane Irma, although degraded to Category 3 at the point of affecting Pine Hills, was massive in size and caused extensive damage and flooding. Historical events like these demonstrate the need for local residents to prepare for potential wind damage, power outages, and inland flooding resulting from hurricanes despite their distance from the coastline.