County: Lee
ZIP Codes: 33967, 34135, 33928, 33929
Estero, Florida, located near the southwest coast of Florida, is inherently susceptible to the severe impacts of hurricanes, including heavy rainfall, high winds, storm surge, and subsequent flooding. The town鈥檚 proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and relatively low elevation contribute to its high flood risk during and after hurricanes, made worse by heavy rainfalls draining towards the coast. Public buildings, residences, and transportation infrastructure can suffer substantial damage, while residents often face the risk of power outages and disruptions to basic utilities and services. Furthermore, hurricane-driven storm surge presents a major concern, as water can rapidly inundate low-lying areas, causing considerable structural damage and creating hazards for individuals who have not evacuated. Historically, Estero has weathered several notable hurricanes and tropical storms. Hurricane Charley in 2004 passed directly over Estero, prompting significant damage in its wake. Also, Hurricane Irma in 2017 caused substantial flooding and wind damage to the town. Typically, these hurricanes pose the dual threat of wind damage, disrupting structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure, along with flood damage, impacting both structures and landscapes and leading to isolation of some areas due to water accumulation. This history of damaging hurricanes signifies the criticality of ongoing preparedness and response planning for Estero's residents and public officials.