County: Lake
ZIP Codes: 32784
Umatilla, Florida, due to its inland location about 50 miles from the east coast, may not be directly hit by hurricanes as frequently as the coastal towns, but it is not entirely safe from their impact. The potential threats the town may face include intense rainstorms leading to flash floods, especially if the hurricane's movement slows over the region. Additionally, the tropical storm force winds could lead to falling trees and power outages, both of which could put human lives and property at risk. Considering that Umatilla sits at a relatively low elevation (just about 98 feet above sea level), flooding could indeed be a significant concern, especially in the areas sitting at lower elevations within the town. Over the past 30 years, a couple of major hurricanes have influenced the weather in and around Umatilla. The town was in the path of Hurricane Charley in 2004, which caused significant damage throughout Central Florida. Umatilla also felt the effects of the 1998 Hurricane Georges, albeit indirectly as it ended up hitting the Florida Keys, but enough to cause power outages and flooding in the area. These incidents serve as reminders that despite being inland, Umatilla is not immune to the effects of hurricanes and tropical storms and underscores the need for continued vigilance and preparedness, especially during the Hurricane season.