County: Walton
ZIP Codes: 32439
Freeport, Florida, a town sitting at an approximate elevation of 16 feet, is particularly vulnerable to aspects of hurricanes, primarily due to its close proximity to the coast. The town is exposed to storm surges, high winds, and consequential flooding that may occur during a hurricane. Its proximity to the coastline (about three miles as the crow flies) facilitates a storm surge risk in addition to rain-induced flooding, with the potential to cause severe damage to structures, infrastructure, and natural habitats. Moreover, Freeport's low-lying topography can intensify the flood risk, with excess water possibly leading to contamination of drinking water supplies and damage to essential utilities. Historically, several major hurricanes and storms have impacted Freeport, proving the area's vulnerability. Hurricane Opal in 1995, which was a powerful Category 4 storm, had a profound effect on Northwest Florida, including places like Freeport. More recently, Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Hurricane Michael in 2018 also affected the region with high winds and heavy rainfall. Given the current trends and the significant damage caused by those storms, there is a real need for rigorous hurricane preparation and planning in Freeport. This would include robust evacuation plans, flood defenses, and disaster response capabilities to ensure the safety and resilience of the community.