County: Glades
ZIP Codes: 34974
Buckhead Ridge, Florida, located in Glades County, is susceptible to significant hurricane threats due to its geographical location. Despite not being directly on the coast, it is situated on Lake Okeechobee's northern shore, which means it can still experience destructive storm surges, especially during a hurricane. The general low-lying typography of Buckhead Ridge elevates its flood risk; any significant rainfall can potentially lead to hazardous flooding conditions, worsening with additional input from storm surges. Prevailing winds from a hurricane can also supplement an already perilous situation. In terms of historical hurricanes and floods impacting Buckhead Ridge, the dissipation of Hurricane Irene in 1999 reminds us of the area's vulnerability. After its landfall, there was a significant rise in Lake Okeechobee's water levels due to the prolonged heavy rainfall, leading to severe flooding in the area including Buckhead Ridge. More recently, Hurricane Irma in 2017 also caused substantial wind damage and flooding in the vicinity. These instances should encourage the town and its residents to maintain a high level of preparedness for hurricanes and the cascading impacts of extreme weather events.