County: Martin
ZIP Codes: 33455
Jupiter Island is a barrier island town located directly on the Atlantic coastline of Florida, making it extremely vulnerable to hurricane threats. Its low elevation, around 20 feet above sea level, places it at high risk of storm surge flooding, the deadliest hazard from a hurricane. The island's location makes it susceptible to strong winds and heavy rainfall events, which can also lead to flooding, property damage, loss of utility services, and blocked transportation routes. Additionally, hurricane-induced damages to the sand dunes may increase the island's exposure to future storms and erosion. Debris from damaged structures can also contribute to post-hurricane environmental and cleanup concerns. Looking into the historical data, Jupiter Island has been hit by several major hurricanes and tropical storms over the last 30 years. A notable occurrence is Hurricane Jeanne in September 2004 that caused significant damage due to high winds, heavy rains, and storm surge flooding. Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Dorian in 2019 also posed a threat to Jupiter Island, but caused less damage than expected. The town has experienced flooding incidents due to both heavy rainfall and storm surge from these tropical systems. Considering climatic changes, hurricanes may increase in intensity, which adds an extra layer of risk for Jupiter Island. Therefore, residents and officials should have effective disaster preparedness and recovery plans in place to mitigate these risks.