County: Santa Rosa
ZIP Codes: 32583, 32530
Bagdad, Florida, lies near Florida's Gulf Coast, making it susceptible to hurricanes and other severe storm threats. Despite being somewhat sheltered by its location further inland compared to other coastal towns, hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surge could significantly impact this area. Its relative low elevation also increases its vulnerability to flooding during major storms. Over the past several decades, several major storms have tracked inland, bringing significant rainfall and wind to Bagdad. Torrential rain during these events, even from slower-moving tropical storms, can lead to localized flooding, which is a risk due to Bagdad's low-lying terrain. Over the past 30 years, Bagdad has experienced multiple impactful weather events. Examples include Hurricane Erin in 1995, which caused substantial damage within the region, and Hurricane Ivan in 2004, which led to catastrophic flooding. More recently, Hurricane Sally in 2020 left substantial parts of the town flooded. Thus, a thorough understanding of these historical weather events and a well-executed disaster preparedness plan can help minimize damage and protect residents in the future. Hurricane preparedness plans should include evacuation routes, flood mitigation techniques, and strategies to secure property against high winds and heavy rainfall.