County: Pinellas
ZIP Codes: 33770
Harbor Bluffs, Florida, being a municipality located right along the Gulf Coast, is particularly vulnerable to sturdy hurricanes and tropical storms. With an average elevation of just a few feet above sea level, the risk of storm surge and flooding is substantial, especially when linked with high tide. This town's coastal landscape and low elevation make it susceptible to heavy rainfalls, which further instigate drainage problems, resulting in possible flooding. The high wind speeds associated with hurricanes can also cause significant damage to infrastructure, including buildings and transportation networks.
Over the past 30 years, Harbor Bluffs has seen its share of hurricanes including major ones like Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Hurricane Charley in 2004. Hurricane Irma, a Category 4 storm particularly caused extensive flooding and wind damage. While Hurricane Charley, a Category 4 storm at landfall, did not directly hit Harbor Bluffs, its catastrophic winds still reached the town and caused considerable damage. It's important to note that even less severe hurricanes can still bring about devastating impacts to this area, due to the potential for storm surge and flooding in combination with other weather-related hazards. Therefore, the community should always adhere to the hurricane preparedness information disseminated by local weather agencies and authorities.