County: Dade
ZIP Codes: 30757
Wildwood, Florida, due to its interior location in the Sunshine State exhibits a slightly diminished risk to immediate coastal impacts linked to hurricanes, such as storm surges. Nonetheless, this town isn't completely safe from the significant dangers posed by strong winds, heavy rain, and potential tornadic activity that hurricanes or tropical storms frequently bring. The relatively low elevation of Wildwood indicates that substantive rainfall could result in localized flooding, especially in poorly drained or low lying areas. Certainly, the town's historical flood risk should not be brushed aside, as this comes into play during substantial tropical rainfall events. In terms of history, we look back to September 2004 when Hurricane Frances crossed Central Florida directly affecting Wildwood with sustained winds of around 90 miles per hour causing widespread damage. More recently, the town was indirectly affected by Hurricane Irma in 2017. While the eye of Irma passed east of Wildwood, the town still experienced significant levels of rainfall resulting in flooding and was also impacted by strong tropical-storm-force winds. It's crucial for residents of Wildwood to remember that while their distance from the coast can sometimes be a cushion against certain hurricane impacts, severe wind, rain, and flooding can still pose significant threats.