County: Hillsborough
ZIP Codes: 33527
Dover, Florida, although not directly situated on the coastline, is only about 25 miles east of Tampa Bay and thus can potentially experience considerable impacts during hurricane events. Despite its inland location, Dover is relatively flat, with mean elevation of 36 feet, making it susceptible to flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. Its geography combined with the broad reach of most Atlantic hurricanes means that severe impacts such as high winds, torrential rain, and cascading flooding from swollen rivers and creeks are possible. Historically, Dover has experienced the effects of several significant hurricanes in the last 30 years, including Hurricane Irma in 2017 which caused considerable flooding. Other impactful events have included Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and Charley in 2004, leading to wind damage and brief but intense rainfall events. These major hurricanes have demonstrated that despite its somewhat shielded location, Dover can still suffer from the secondary impacts of these powerful weather systems, such as heavy precipitation and flooding. Therefore, residents must remain vigilant during hurricane season, always prepared for potentially destructive weather conditions.