County: Broward
ZIP Codes: 33306, 33309, 33334, 33310, 33335
Oakland Park, Florida, situated just west of Fort Lauderdale along the Atlantic Coast, has a long-standing history of hurricane exposure given its coastal proximity. The town is only two miles off the coast and thus, the risk of significant storm surge during a hurricane is high. Furthermore, the area is largely at or near sea level, exacerbating the potential of coastal flooding risk during periods of intense rainfall or if a hurricane passes nearby. Historically, the town is prone to flooding due to its heavy annual rainfall, flat topology, and low elevation relative to sea level. Historically, major hurricanes like Hurricane Andrew (1992), Hurricane Wilma (2005), and Hurricane Irma (2017) have left devastating impacts on the town. Florida's peninsular geography as such makes it a prime target for annual hurricane season. Many buildings in Oakland Park could be susceptible to wind damage, particularly those that have not been fortified to withstand hurricane-force winds. Power outages and disruption of services are often a collateral consequence of these events. Thus, it is significant for community members to heed warning notifications, have an evacuation plan in place, and to fortify their homes to safeguard against potential hurricane threats.