County: Marion
ZIP Codes: 34420, 34421
Belleview, Florida, located approximately 60 miles from the coast, does face a hurricane threat, albeit not as direct as coastal towns. The city's inland location serves as a buffer against the storm surge that hurricanes tend to generate when making landfall. However, strong winds and heavy rainfall associated with such systems can penetrate far inland, and Belleview is certainly within the reach of powerful hurricanes, which can lead to power outages, downed trees, and damaged properties. The city is at a relatively low elevation, with an average altitude of around 80 feet, making it susceptible to surface flooding during heavy rain events. Looking at the historical perspective, Belleview has witnessed some notable hurricanes and floods over the past 30 years. For instance, Hurricane Frances in 2004 and Hurricane Irma in 2017 caused extensive damage in the area. Both storms brought heavy rains causing localized flooding and sustained high winds that led to structural damage and significant power outages. Given these historical precedents, it's crucial for Belleview to be prepared for the potential wind and flood damage associated with hurricanes, even though it is somewhat removed from the coastline.