County: Orange
ZIP Codes: 32836, 32819
Bay Hill, Florida, is located inland, approximately 73 miles from the east coast and 81 miles from the gulf coast. This distance from the shore offers some protection from storm surge flooding, but its relatively low elevation still presents considerable risk. Most of Bay Hill sits less than 100 feet above sea level, making it susceptible to freshwater flooding, particularly from heavy or prolonged rain events associated with hurricanes. The town's significant number of lakes and ponds also poses additional flooding risks. One particular consideration for Bay Hill is its high volume of trees, which can cause property damage and power outages if blown over by high winds. In the past thirty years, Bay Hill has witnessed a series of hurricanes and tropical storms that caused varying degrees of damage. The most damaging storm during this period was Hurricane Charley in 2004, which was a Category 4 storm striking Florida in the vicinity of Bay Hill. Although the town did not suffer from the storm surge due to its distance from the coast, heavy rainfall resulted in significant freshwater flooding. Similarly, in 2017, Hurricane Irma passed over Central Florida, causing widespread flooding in its path and notable wind damage. Given these considerations, a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan, encompassing structural considerations, including flood barriers and wind-resistant measures, should be prioritized by the residents.