County: Polk
ZIP Codes: 33830, 33859, 33841, 33820
Alturas, Florida, while significantly inland, should not completely dismiss the threat of hurricanes. This central location could moderate the immediate wind speeds compared to coastal regions, but it does not eliminate the risk of strong wind gusts entirely. Hurricanes can still cause substantial damage even hundreds of miles inland, including downed trees and power lines, structural damage, and occasional tornadoes spawned from the hurricane's outer bands. Furthermore, the flat elevation (only about 40m) and proximity to numerous lakes and streams could contribute to a relatively high risk of flooding, especially during periods of heavy rain. The area has seen major storm impacts in the past 30 years, most notably from Hurricane Irma in 2017, which caused widespread damage and significant power outages across central Florida. Flooding is often a significant concern during these events, with hurricanes Charley and Jeanne in 2004 notable for heavy rainfall leading to local flooding incidents. With this historical context, residents of Alturas should certainly make hurricane preparedness a priority, including a plan for potential evacuation during a severe weather event. The town's consistent hurricane exposure underlines the need for ongoing infrastructure investment and comprehensive disaster planning.