County: Polk
ZIP Codes: 33801
Combee Settlement, located about 50 miles inland from Florida's West Coast, is not directly exposed to coastal storm surge, but its proximity to the coast does put it at risk for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and the possibility of tornadoes spawned from a hurricane's outer bands. Considering Combee Settlement's relatively low elevation (just under 130 feet above sea level) and numerous bodies of water such as the Lake Parker and Lake Bonny, it is almost reassuringly exposed to flash floods, particularly during hurricanes where prolonged, intense rainfall may cause waters to rise swiftly. This could result in considerable property damage, road closures, and potentially dangerous conditions for residents. Reviewing the past 30 years, one of the notable storms to impact Combee Settlement was Hurricane Irma in 2017, which reportedly brought heavy rainfall and caused significant local flooding. Prior to that, though a bit older than 30 years, Hurricane Donna in 1960 represents an example of a major storm that cut through Central Florida and likely was felt in Combee Settlement. Preparing for hurricanes requires consideration of these multiple threats – wind, water, and tornadoes. As storms continue to intensify in the future due to climate change, residents of these areas need to remain vigilant to updates from local authorities and weather forecasts.