Although Jacksonville is Less Hurricane-Prone, It’s Still Highly Susceptible to Flooding.

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Homeowners have to deal with many things which may include storm damage. Don't let the moisture take over your home. Contact SERVPRO right away.

Substantial Flood Damage in Jacksonville is Possible Even Following Smaller Storms.

Generally, most people believe that all parts of Florida are equally prone to hurricanes and that these powerful storms cause all or most of the state’s severe flooding. This thinking, however, is erroneous for a number of reasons and Jacksonville is a perfect example of why. First, according to the insurance industry, even though Jacksonville is one of the most flood-prone cities in Florida, it is also one of those that suffer the least direct hits from hurricanes. Secondly, the city’s unique geographic features tend to cause many flooding woes, even when storms are weaker or further offshore. Poorly maintained drainage networks and infrastructure are yet more factors explaining why its water-related issues are about more than just hurricanes.      

A City Relatively Safe from Hurricanes  

Considering that Jacksonville is in a state that, since 1851, has been hit by more hurricanes than any other, it is a city that is surprisingly safe from these monstrous weather systems. This fact is apparent in the following historical data and figures:

Only twenty-six hurricanes (just one of these was a Category 3 storm) have struck Northeast Florida, the area Jacksonville is located in, since 1851

While the most hurricane-impacted part of the state suffers one of these storms once every three years on average, Northeast Florida only experiences one about every 6.5 years

The only time, in a hundred and seventy years, Jacksonville has ever taken a direct hit from a hurricane was Hurricane Dora in 1964

Factors Making Jacksonville Especially Susceptible to Flooding, Regardless of Hurricanes

Although Jacksonville is unlikely to suffer a direct assault from a hurricane, it still routinely experiences catastrophic flooding. This unfortunate situation results from one or more of the following causes:

Jacksonville’s relatively low elevation and tendency to experience torrential rains and strong winds

The St. Johns River’s weak current that allows high tides and storm surges to push miles back upstream, inundate the city, and remain trapped there until low tide

Antiquated and improperly maintained drainage systems

Poorly planned infrastructure like the two city blocks built on a pier over the river  

Local officials believe, for these reasons, even lower grade hurricanes passing by miles offshore could do significant damage to their community.

So, as an area homeowner, if you ever need flood damage remediated, call SERVPRO of Arlington/Jacksonville East at (904) 721-2230.

What Does SERVPRO Do to Clean Up and Restore Your Flood-Damaged JAX Home?

When floodwaters ravage your Jacksonville home, SERVPRO knows what needs to be done and gets to work on your situation without delay. Often, within four hours of your initial call, our highly trained technicians arrive at your house and start addressing your flood water-related issues. Once on-site, they focus on:

Removing the hazardous waters from your residence

Safely disposing of dangerous, flood-related wastes

Eliminating excess moisture from your home and its contents

Reconstructing any severely impacted or destroyed parts of your house

Neutralizing microbial threats and foul odors

With that said, if and when you need flood damage cleanup and restoration services, contact SERVPRO of Arlington/Jacksonville East at (904) 721-2230.