County: Fairfax
ZIP Codes: 22033
Greenbriar, Florida, located in Pinellas County, experiences a high risk for hurricanes due to its coastal location along the Gulf of Mexico. Given its low-lying topography with an average elevation of 20-23 feet, any storm surge could result in significant widespread flooding. The area's permeable soil, which allows rapid absorption of rainfall, presents unique challenges by possibly exacerbating flood risks during periods of high-intensity rainfall from hurricanes or tropical storms. Structures within Greenbriar, especially those in established floodplains, are therefore vulnerable to rising water levels during hurricane events. Historically, Greenbriar has witnessed several major hurricanes. For instance, in 2004, Hurricane Frances, although making landfall on the Atlantic coast, caused extensive damage across the state, including widespread power outages and flooding in Greenbriar. More recently, Hurricane Irma in 2017 caused substantial property damage and displaced many residents due to the storm surge and intense wind damage, despite making landfall to the south. These instances underscore the serious threats hurricanes present to this community, reinforcing the importance of readiness during hurricane season and addressing potential flood-induced damage to infrastructure and public safety.