County: Indian River
ZIP Codes: 32962
Florida Ridge, Florida, lies quite close to the Atlantic coast, which makes it highly vulnerable to hurricane threats and other tropical cyclones. Given its low proximity to sea level, storm surge-related flooding poses a significant risk. Areas with low elevation like Florida Ridge can quickly become inundated as hurricanes advance, even more so with the added issue of rising sea levels due to climate change. Furthermore, due to its geographical location and flat terrain, Florida Ridge can be subject to heavy rains that hurricanes bring, increasing the risk of flooding from swollen rivers and creeks. Historically, this region has been significantly impacted by hurricanes. Over the past three decades, several major hurricanes have made their marks on Florida Ridge. One of the most memorable is Hurricane Jeanne in 2004, which caused substantial flooding and wind damage in the area. More recently, Hurricane Irma in 2017 also resulted in extensive flooding and damage throughout the region. These hurricanes not only illustrate the vulnerability of Florida Ridge to these intense storms but also underscore the crucial necessity for efficient disaster preparedness, robust infrastructure, and effective evacuation plans to protect the community from future hurricane threats.