However, during our five months of hurricane season, we cannot forget to be prepared for what may happen. That’s why we choose to live in this perpetually sunny state. Know Thy Hillsborough County Flood Zone Map These areas are direct coastal communities that will always be impacted by storm surges. Hillsborough cities of Tampa, Town n’ Country, Gibsonton, Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Adamsville, Gulf City, and Sun City are all places that are affected by the new FEMA proposed Hillsborough County flood map. It’s not a matter of if, it’s simply a matter of when. Tampa flood zone maps can give the best indication of where we lay, currently, when it comes to potentially affected areas. Making landfall at a would-be Category 4 level, storm surge waters rose and stayed in place for days.Ī similar occurrence will happen. Tampa was the recipient of a direct hit from the granddaddy of hurricanes in 1848. However, storm surges from a direct hit of a major category-rated hurricane can and will physically change our county’s landscape. We have dealt with plenty of storm surges in the past, many not even related to the hurricane that would even hit our shores. Here’s the scary phrase that none of us want to ever hear. Many that were considered to be high and dry still dealt with flooding issues due to the mass amounts of rainfall. Wherever we went, water was sure to be found pooling somewhere. The Hillsborough County flood map didn’t really seem to reflect all the areas of need during this storm-crazed summer. Four hurricanes pummeled through the state in a span of only six weeks. If we witnessed a hurricane like those of Michael, Harvey, or Katrina – what would happen to our area?įurther, what happens if multiple hurricanes come our way? Will our homes be prepared for the onslaught of downpours and localized flooding? Do we know exactly where Tampa flood zones are and their location in proximity to our homes?Īny Florida homeowner that lived in the Sunshine State fifteen years ago probably remembers when we became known as the Plywood State. Hillsborough County, though, is also famous for having lots of beautiful lakes and rivers. Hillsborough County is famous for being a beautiful coastal city. They sit for a while and just dump massive amounts of rain on our land and in our waterways. Some of these storms are getting lazy when they arrive on land. Recently, we’ve seen an upsurge in hurricanes that produce more rain than many cities can handle. What happens if the big one pays us a visit? Will our homes be able to withstand sustained winds that rival those of an F3 or F4 tornado? Will we have enough insurance to cover any damage? Rain Many in her path dealt with structural damage and water damage. She was our intro to the potential for bigger, stronger, scarier storms to visit our coastal towns. In fact, Irma didn’t have time to stay around and tour the state. Sustained wind was a little over 70 miles per hour, and the rain wasn’t horrendous. Just recently, we weathered the skirt-tails of Hurricane Irma. We know about the wind speeds of strong hurricanes. Let’s take a look at some of the potential catastrophes that could happen in our county. The atmosphere is warming, the water is staying hotter longer, and hurricanes are intensifying faster than we are prepared to handle.Ī direct hit from a major hurricane is imminent. However, the reality is that a storm is coming our way. Our neighbor, Pinellas County, has dodged many of these storms, as well. Hillsborough County has experienced a pretty decent history of avoiding major category-rated hurricanes. ![]() Here are a few storm situations to think about as we prepare for the next hurricane season. Knowing which zone your home is located in can help you determine the type of potential flood insurance you may need. We know how to weather a storm.īut, do we have enough flood insurance to cover a potential loss? Do we have an iron-clad policy in the event that a Category 5 storm pays us a visit? Are we aware of the special flood hazard area that we may include our homes or our neighborhoods?Ī great first step in being prepared is to take a look at the new Hillsborough County flood zone map. However, Florida homeowners aren’t new to this season. The phrase by failing to prepare, we are preparing to fail could not be more true during these five months of ominous possibility. We think about storm scenarios based on any potential CAT storm that could blow our way. We check our battery and flashlight supplies. We never know what the Gulf or the Atlantic will have in store for us, each year. At least until Hurricane Season begins.įrom the beginning of July to the end of November, Florida homeowners along the coast experience a bit more anxiety than usual. A mecca for those that want tropical living or a reprieve from harsh winters and snow.
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