County: Okaloosa
ZIP Codes: 32547
Ocean City, Florida, is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes due to its location along the coastline. Over the years, its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean has exposed it to severe weather events, including both hurricanes and tropical storms. In these circumstances, residents may be at risk from strong wind gusts capable of causing structural damage to buildings, heavy rain leading to substantial flooding, and dangerous storm surge that can further exacerbate the flooding issues. The city's relatively low elevation exacerbates these risks, as the land is less able to efficiently drain heavy rainfall away, thereby increasing the flooding risk. In terms of its weather history, two notable hurricanes caused significant destruction in Ocean City in the past 30 years. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew brought widespread damage, while in 2005, Hurricane Wilma led to considerable flooding due to its slow moving nature and heavy rainfall. Both these hurricanes served as reminders of just how devastating coastal hurricanes can be, not only in terms of immediate destruction but also long-term economic impacts. Based on the city's geographical location and past storm trends, it is imperative for residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential hurricanes during the Atlantic hurricane season running from June through November each year.