County: Orange
ZIP Codes: 32805, 32839, 32855
Holden Lakes, Florida, given its close proximity to the coast, is considerably vulnerable to hurricanes and related weather impacts. The town's geographical setup presents a significant risk for storm surge, especially during high tides, as well as the potential for coastal flooding. This risk is not mitigated by any significant elevation, which implies that most of the town could experience flooding in the event of a major storm surge. Moreover, rainfall-induced inland flooding is also a significant threat due to heavy downpours typically associated with such storms. The fact that Holden Lakes has had instances of flooding in the past, even with minor systems, brings the vulnerability of the town's drainage system into focus. Over the past 30 years, several major hurricanes have indeed affected Holden Lakes, including Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Hurricane Irma in 2017, and Hurricane Michael in 2018. These storms caused significant damage, primarily due to storm surge and high winds, resulting in substantial economic and residential loss. As an area prone to tropical cyclones, residents should always be prepared to evacuate and recover from significant storm damage. It is also recommended that the residents, as well as the local government, engage in proactive planning like improving the town's drainage system, enforcing strong building codes, and potentially investing in higher sea walls or other storm surge barriers to mitigate the potential damage from future storms.