Zellwood, Florida, while not a coastal town, is still not entirely immune from the effects of hurricanes. The city is located inland, about 40 miles from the east coast and approximately 70 miles from the west coast. Its distance from the coast can slightly reduce the risk of direct hurricane hits, but it's not entirely out of the reach of severe storm systems. The region's relatively low elevation, approximately 105 feet above sea level, adds to its vulnerability to flood risks. Florida's generally flat topography doesn't allow for rapid runoff, making heavy rain systems from tropical storms and hurricanes potentially devastating. Also, the presence of Lake Apopka on the southern edge of the town can potentially enhance the flood risk during severe rainfall events. Historically, Zellwood has experienced severe impacts from major hurricanes and storm systems passing through the state. For instance, in 2004, hurricanes Charlie, Francis, and Jeanne caused widespread damage in the area. More recently, Hurricane Irma in 2017 also brought significant rain, flooding, and wind damage to the Zellwood area. These natural events have resulted in substantial economic and human impacts. These scenarios underline the importance of comprehensive planning, particularly focusing on flood prevention and hurricane preparedness, to ensure the safety and resilience of the community.