County: Okeechobee
ZIP Codes: 34974
Taylor Creek, Florida, situated around six miles from the Atlantic, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of hurricanes, such as high winds, rains, and storm surges. Despite its somewhat inland location, its proximity to the coast implies that it can still be significantly affected by hurricanes and tropical storms, especially if they take a track close to or over the area. Given its low elevation, the areas of concern also include flooding from heavy rains associated with these storms. Additionally, Taylor Creek has large bodies of fresh water nearby, which could feed into potential flooding problems. In terms of historical hurricane impacts, Taylor Creek, along with surrounding areas, experienced severe damages during the passage of Hurricane Jeanne in 2004. This category 3 hurricane caused massive flooding, and damaging gusts as high as 120-150 mph were experienced. Fast forward to 2017, and Taylor Creek was again under threat from Hurricane Irma; although it was downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it reached the area, it nonetheless caused significant flooding. It's essential that the residents of Taylor Creek remain vigilant during hurricane season because these storms carry destructive potential. The local community needs to have a strong understanding of evacuation routes, local shelter locations, and other preparedness guidelines to effectively respond to these natural disasters.