County: Hernando
ZIP Codes: 34613
Brookridge, Florida, situated approximately 15 miles inland from the Gulf Coast, is vulnerable to high-intensity storms and hurricanes. Although it is not directly on the coastline and may be safe from the initial impact of storm surges, its positioning could expose it to heavy rainfall and strong, damaging winds often associated with hurricanes. The town is situated at a relatively low elevation with a mean height of just 85 feet above sea level, which increases its vulnerability to flooding, especially if a significant amount of rainfall were to runoff from higher elevations. The area, similar to much of Florida, consists mostly of flatland, which further exacerbates the flood risks. Looking at the storm history, Brookridge has been impacted by some severe hurricanes and floods in the past 30 years. Notable events include Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the No Name Storm of 1993, and Hurricane Irma in 2017. Hurricane Andrew, while it caused massive destruction in South Florida, also brought torrential rain and intense winds to the Brookridge area. The No Name Storm led to significant flooding, while Hurricane Irma, one of the strongest ever observed in the Atlantic, caused extensive damage to infrastructure due to the combination of high winds, heavy rain, and floodwaters. Given its weather history and geographical position, developing stringent hurricane preparedness plans is essential for Brookridge.