County: Lake
ZIP Codes: 34705
Astatula, Florida, lies in Lake County, inland from the coast. Its inland location reduces some risk tied to coastal storm surge, which is often the most catastrophic impact of a hurricane. However, hurricanes can still bring significant impacts inland, including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and possible tornadoes. Astatula may be particularly susceptible to flood risks, considering its lower elevation and its proximity to multiple water bodies like the Little Lake Harris. Historical flood records indicate significant susceptibilities in Astatula and surrounding areas, making flooding a major concern during a hurricane. Over the past 30 years, Astatula has been in the trajectory of a number of significant hurricanes which brought damaging winds and rainfall to the area. For instance, Hurricane Charley in August 2004, causing damage through high-speed winds and rain-induced flooding. More recently, Hurricane Irma in 2017 followed a similar trajectory and caused comparable damage in the region. Given this historical context, while Astatula's distance from the coast might ameliorate some storm impacts, the threat posed by hurricane-induced wind damage, heavy rainfall, and risk of flooding should not be understated. In all, hurricane planning and emergency preparedness remain crucial considerations for the residents of Astatula.