County: Osceola
ZIP Codes: 34769, 34771, 34772
St. Cloud, Florida, despite being about 50 miles inland from both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, remains susceptible to hurricane threats. In such cases, the town's primary risks are heavy rain, strong winds, and potential tornadoes that can arise from tropical systems. St. Cloud is relatively low-lying, with an average elevation of only 62 feet above sea level, thus making flooding a considerable concern, especially given Florida's generally flat topography and the presence of multiple freshwater bodies nearby. In terms of historical flood risk, the area is vulnerable, with substantial rainfall in a short period resulting in drainage issues and flood risks. Over the past 30 years, St. Cloud has been adversely impacted by several major hurricanes and floods. Hurricane Charlie in 2004, one of the most disastrous in Florida's history, caused significant harm to St. Cloud with high-speed winds and torrential rains. More recently, Hurricane Irma in 2017 led to widespread power outages, property damage, and flooding from the torrential rain. While the town doesn't typically get the full brunt of storm surge impacts that coastal communities do due to its inland location, hurricanes and tropical systems can still bring considerable rain, wind, and inherent tornado risks. Therefore, residents ought to heed hurricane warnings seriously and take ample precautions to mitigate damage.