High Risk Florida  ·  Hurricane / Storm Surge

Hillsborough County FL

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

8/ 10
Threat Score
Population
1,471,968
Area
1051
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Hurricane / Storm Surge
FEMA Disasters
55
federally declared

Hillsborough County and Tampa Bay sit in what storm surge modelers consider one of the most vulnerable areas in the United States. Tampa Bay's funnel shape amplifies storm surge from Gulf hurricanes, and the region has not taken a direct major hurricane hit since 1921. A direct strike from a major storm could produce catastrophic 20+ foot storm surge.

// Preparedness Recommendations

  • Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
  • Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
  • Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
  • Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.

// Recommended Supplies

Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 8 / 10    High Risk
Primary Hazard Hurricane / Storm Surge
Secondary Hazard Flooding
FEMA Flood Zone Zone AE (High Risk)
Federally Declared Disasters 55
Last Major Event Hurricane Irma (2017)
Event Frequency Major event every 3–5 years

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (813) 272-6958
Emergency Shelters 52 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-275 North, I-75 North, US-92 East, SR-60 East

// County Profile

County Hillsborough County FL
State Florida (FL)
Population 1,471,968
Area 1051 sq miles
FEMA Region Zone AE (High Risk)

// Major Cities

Tampa FL

// Cities in This County

// Other Florida Counties

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.

MacDill Air Force Base FL
Military Installation  ·  Tampa  ·  US Air Force / USCENTCOM / USSOCOM  ·  25-mi risk zone
9/10 Critical
🏟
Tampa International Airport FL
Stadium / Arena  ·  Tampa, FL  ·  Hillsborough County Aviation Authority  ·  10-mi risk zone
8/10 High
Port of Tampa FL
Port / Marine Terminal  ·  Tampa, FL  ·  Tampa Port Authority  ·  10-mi risk zone
8/10 High
🏥
Tampa General Hospital FL
Major Hospital  ·  Tampa, FL  ·  Tampa General Hospital  ·  25-mi risk zone
8/10 High
🌉
Sunshine Skyway Bridge FL
Bridge / Critical Crossing  ·  St. Petersburg, FL  ·  Florida Department of Transportation  ·  5-mi risk zone
8/10 High
🏟
Raymond James Stadium Tampa FL
Stadium / Arena  ·  Tampa, FL  ·  Tampa Bay Buccaneers / NFL  ·  2-mi risk zone
8/10 High
🏟
Amalie Arena Tampa FL
Stadium / Arena  ·  Tampa, FL  ·  Tampa Bay Lightning / NHL  ·  2-mi risk zone
8/10 High
💧
Tampa Bay Water FL
Water Treatment  ·  Tampa, FL  ·  Tampa Bay Water Regional Authority  ·  5-mi risk zone
8/10 High

Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.