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Home , Heat wave

Thunderstorm

These have the potential of causing power outages, localized flooding, destruction or damage to buildings, and can result in loss of life. While severe in Putnam County could have winds over 80 mph, bigger than 3 inches, and create numerous tornadoes, it would be very unlikely for thunderstorms to reach this extent based on past trends.

Hurricane

While it is possible for the county to be hit by a category 4 or 5 hurricane, it is very unlikely based on past trends that have seen Florida’s northeastern region mainly receiving tropical depressions/storms and categories 1-3. Impacts from these storms can include tree and natural environment destruction, infrastructure and house damage or collapse, downed power lines, blocked roads, flooding, and massive amounts of -generated debris. All structures are susceptible to impacts of hurricanes, especially buildings in floodplains and unsound housing or mobile homes.

Storm surge

While it is possible for to raise over 5 feet in the St. Johns River from a high category hurricane, it is very unlikely based on past trends of mainly receiving between 0.5 – 3.5 feet. Impacts in Putnam County are low but could include damaged piers/boats and possibly some effects to buildings built in close proximity to the St. Johns River, especially in the northern section of the county around the river.

Severe

These storms have the potential of causing power outages, localized flooding, destruction or damage to buildings, and can result in loss of life. While severe thunderstorms in Putnam County could have winds over 80 mph, hail bigger than 3 inches, and create numerous tornadoes, it would be very unlikely for thunderstorms to reach this extent based on past trends. Minor damages have occurred from thunderstorms each year within the county. All structures are susceptible to impacts of severe thunderstorms, especially buildings in floodplains and manufactured or mobile homes

Heat Wave/

Impacts from heat waves can put lives at risk with the possibility of heat strokes and heat exhaustion. Urban areas in Putnam County, especially Palatka, may be more susceptible to the effects of a heat wave due to the effect from urban development. Therefore it is possible to experience ranges over 110 degrees F in some places.

Freeze

If temperatures reach freezing levels for extended periods of time and are combined with other climatic factors, crop damage will and has occurred. While it is not likely for temperatures to reach the teens or to stay below freezing for a number of days, it is still possible. Injuries and death to people in structures are very low in Putnam County freezes, but indirectly through caused by incorrect or careless use of space heaters could occur within the buildings. Additionally, consumer demand of electricity during these periods of extreme cold may require the electric utility to implement rolling blackouts to selected areas in order to avert a total electrical grid overload. These blackouts can have a significant impact on electrical dependent critical facilities and persons.