County: Volusia
ZIP Codes: 32744
Lake Helen, Florida, is roughly 15 miles away from the nearest coastal line which significantly attenuates the direct impacts of storm surge from hurricanes. However, being an inland city does not exclude Lake Helen from hurricane or tropical storm threats. With heavy rainfall, it's plausible that this area could experience freshwater flooding, particularly if a storm system moves slowly or stalls over the area. High winds from a hurricane could easily down trees and power lines, posing a danger to homes and causing power outages. The city's average elevation is around 56 feet which may offer some protection against flooding, but doesn't eliminate the risk. Over the past three decades, Lake Helen has been impacted by a couple of major hurricanes including Hurricanes Charley and Frances in 2004, and more recently, Hurricane Irma in 2017. These hurricanes brought strong winds and heavy rainfall to the city causing property damage and power outages. A significant flood incident in Lake Helen came from Hurricane Irma, which caused widespread flooding in the Volusia County. As such, residents in this area should be prepared for potential wind damage and occasional flooding during hurricane season, with necessary disaster kits and contingency plans in place.