County: Glades
ZIP Codes: 33471
Moore Haven, Florida, presents a significant risk for hurricane impacts due to its proximity to both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, even though it's not a coastal city. The city is located near the southern tip of the state, an area frequently visited by tropical storms and hurricanes. Sitting at an approximate elevation of only 10 feet, Moore Haven's low-lying location heightens its risk to flooding, especially with storm surges or excessive rainfall. The Okeechobee Lake to the east, while providing a protective barrier from easterly storms, can pose an additional flooding risk if the water levels rise significantly due to prolonged heavy rains. Over the last 30 years, Moore Haven was threatened by various hurricanes. Notably, Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the second-most destructive hurricane in U.S. history, passed close to Moore Haven, though it didn't directly hit the town. In 2005, Hurricane Wilma, one of the most intense storms recorded in the Atlantic basin, also passed near Moore Haven, causing widespread damage. More recently, Hurricane Irma in 2017 posed a significant threat, causing extensive wind damage and flooding. As future storms are very likely, Moore Haven must prioritize storm preparedness efforts and awareness of the inherent flooding risks.