County: Broward
ZIP Codes: 33301, 33304, 33305, 33306, 33308, 33309, 33334, 33316, 33315, 33312, 33311, 33320, 33336, 33338, 33339, 33340, 33346, 33348, 33394
Fort Lauderdale, located in southeastern Florida, is an area very prone to hurricane threats due to its coastal location. The city sits almost at sea level, with an average elevation of just nine feet above sea level, making it greatly susceptible to storm surge flooding. In the past 30 years, several major hurricanes such as Andrew (1992), Katrina (2005), Wilma (2005), and Irma (2017) have impacted the city causing widespread damage and leaving behind high instances of flooding due to the low-lying nature of the Fort Lauderdale area. Coastal erosion, high-speed winds, heavy rains, and storm surge flooding are consistent threats during hurricane events, causing extensive property damage and posing significant threats to safety. It's important to note that flooding isn't exclusive to the immediate aftermath of the hurricane. Extended periods of heavy rain lead to saturated ground conditions, which can in turn lead to prolonged minor to moderate flooding events. The location of Fort Lauderdale, sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades’ wetlands to the west, amplifies the city’s vulnerability to both coastal and inland flooding. Infrastructure damage and electricity disruption are additional concerns due to the strong wind storms. The frequency and intensity of hurricanes appear to be on an increasing trend, therefore, preparedness programs for residents and strengthening of infrastructure should be a priority.