County: Citrus
ZIP Codes: 34428, 34429, 34423
Crystal River, Florida, is situated on the west coast of the state, directly exposed to the Gulf of Mexico, making it considerably vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms. Due to its low-lying elevation, Crystal River is prone to storm surge, with significant hurricane threats potentially submerging areas of the city under several feet of water. Moreover, the risks are not only coastal; the town's proximity to the Crystal River - an extensive body of water that runs into the Gulf of Mexico - also gives an increased risk of inland flooding. Historically, Crystal River has seen several major hurricanes and extensive flooding over the past 30 years. For example, Hurricane Elena in 1985 caused considerable damage, while the no-name storm of 1993, also referred to as the 'Storm of the Century,' resulted in devastating storm surge and flooding impacting the city. More recently, Hurricane Irma in 2017 caused widespread damage with increased risks of flooding and the implications of strong winds. Therefore, both coastal and inland residents of Crystal River should maintain awareness and readiness regarding hurricane threats and potential for severe flooding.