County: Volusia
ZIP Codes: 32720, 32130
De Leon Springs, Florida, being located in the northeastern part of Volusia County and approximately 25 miles from the eastern coast, is slightly removed from immediate, direct hurricane impacts but has its share of related risks. As its elevation is relatively low (around 15-25 feet), the threat of flooding from excessive rainfall due to a hurricane is quite high. Aside from coastal storm surge, inland flooding is one of the deadliest aspects of hurricanes and poses a significant risk to De Leon Springs. Should a hurricane make landfall nearby and slow or stall, rainfall totals could rapidly increase, leading to swift, damaging, and life-threatening flooding. In terms of historical records, Hurricane Irma in 2017 did cause major damage in De Leon Springs, leading to localized floodings, downed trees, and widespread structural damages, proving the community's vulnerability to such events. Moreover, the severe rainfall from Tropical Storm Fay in 2008 enhanced the flooding risk in the region. And while hurricanes of category 3 or higher (like the 2004's Charley and 1992's Andrew) did not directly hit the De Leon Springs area, their impact was felt with destructive wind gusts, highlighting the fact that even indirect hurricane impacts can pose significant threats to the town's safety and infrastructure. Residents, therefore, should always heed evacuation orders, secure property, and have an emergency preparedness plan in place.