County: Pinellas
ZIP Codes: 33756, 33770, 33760, 33764, 33773, 33778, 33771, 33774, 33779
Largo, Florida, situated in the Tampa Bay area, has a significant hurricane risk due to its vulnerable geographic location. Although Largo is several miles inland from the coast, its proximity to two significant water bodies, the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, makes it susceptible to storm surges. Furthermore, as a comparatively low-lying area with an average elevation of just 13 feet, Largo has an enhanced flood risk due to the low topographical barrier. Historically, the city has been susceptible to both major floodings from hurricanes and heavy summer rainfalls. The impact of increased rainfall associated with a tropical system can exacerbate problems in neighborhoods and other areas already prone to flooding. In recent history, the most significant hurricanes to impact Largo include Hurricane Elena in 1985, which caused significant flooding and storm surge damage across the city. Other notable storms include Hurricanes Charley and Frances in 2004, and more recently, Hurricane Irma in 2017. Irma, in particular, brought notable flooding in Largo due to heavy rainfall and powerful winds, leading to massive power outages, fallen trees, and infrastructure damage. Hurricane considerations for Largo should include ample early-warning systems for residents to prepare or evacuate ahead of an approaching storm, enhancing local stormwater management systems to mitigate flood risk, and strengthening city structures and infrastructure to withstand hurricane force winds and flooding.