Fort Pierce is nestled on Florida's eastern coastline which puts it directly in the path of potential Atlantic hurricane systems during the peak season from June through November. The city has a fairly low elevation, lying mostly less than 10 feet above the sea level, which can increase vulnerability to storm surges, especially in the downtown area and along the beautiful but exposed Hutchinson Island. The town's proximity to the sea and its low-lying nature pose significant risk from flooding, particularly during a hurricane when excessive rainfall and the resulting water runoff can overwhelm local waterways and drainage systems. Historically, Fort Pierce had its fair share of hurricane impacts. In the past three decades, two significant hurricanes stand out - Hurricane Jeanne in 2004 and Hurricane Frances in the same year. Both were Category 2 hurricanes when they made landfall and which brought extensive wind damage, storm surge flooding, and heavy rainfall. More recently, in 2017 Hurricane Irma which was a Category 4 storm at its peak, although it was weaker when it affected this area, caused significant damage and power outages.