County: Wilkinson
ZIP Codes: 31065, 31003, 31017
Allentown, Florida, though located inland, is not immune to the impacts of a hurricane, including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding. The town's distance from the coast can play a factor in diminishing the strength of a hurricane, as hurricanes lose power over land. However, significant rain, which often accompanies hurricanes, can lead to widespread or flash flooding, particularly if the ground is already saturated from previous storms. Allentown's relatively flat elevation does not offer much relief from the build-up of flood waters. Additionally, as hurricanes move across land, they can bring tornadoes; although these might not be as powerful as coastal tornadoes, they can still cause damage to properties and infrastructure, and pose a threat to safety. Historically, the major hurricanes that affected Allentown in the past 30 years included Hurricane Sally (2020), Hurricane Michael (2018), and Hurricane Ivan (2004). These hurricanes brought significant flooding events to Allentown due to the heavy rain combined with the town's flat topology and proximity to several rivers and water bodies. For these reasons, any significant hurricane or significant tropical system poses a significant flood risk for Allentown. It is imperative that residents pay close attention to hurricane forecasts, heed evacuation warnings if issued, and prepare their properties in advance of hurricane season to mitigate potential damage.