County: Pickens
ZIP Codes: 30143, 30175
Jasper, Florida, located approximately 30 miles east of the Gulf of Mexico and 70 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean, carries a moderate risk for hurricane impacts due to its distance from the coast, as coastal areas experience higher intensity effects. However, if a hurricane follows a west-to-east path across northern Florida, Jasper could still be vulnerable to severe impacts. The town is sat at an elevation of less than 100 feet, therefore subjecting it to possible flash floods and storm surges in a hurricane scenario. Additionally, the Suwannee River situated west of the town can lead to increased flood risk, especially if substantial rainfall accompanies the storm. Over the past 30 years, Jasper has seen several serious weather events. Perhaps the most notable was Hurricane Irma in September 2017. Although the hurricane did not directly hit Jasper, the town experienced significant rainfall and wind damage. The rainfall caused the Suwannee River to overflow, leading to notable flooding in some areas of the town. Another noteworthy storm was Tropical Storm Fay in 2008 which caused serious flooding in North Florida, impacting Jasper as well. This flood risk is always a concern with storms, as heavy rainfall can lead to rapid rises in water levels, especially in low-lying and river-adjacent areas.