County: Palm Beach
ZIP Codes: 33406
Cloud Lake, Florida, despite being slightly inland, is still at considerable risk from hurricanes and their associated impacts such as high winds, heavy rains, and flooding. The town is located within a few miles of the Atlantic Ocean and the Lake Worth Lagoon, significantly heightening the risk of hurricane impacts. With a very low elevation, the area is particularly susceptible to flooding, especially during high rainfall events associated with hurricanes. The city's infrastructure, including residential and commercial buildings, roads, and utilities, are all potential targets for hurricane damage.
Over the past 30 years, Cloud Lake has experienced several major hurricane events. The most significant of these was Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which caused extensive property damage throughout South Florida. More recently, Hurricanes Jeanne and Frances in 2004, along with Hurricane Wilma in 2005, caused considerable damage to the area. Flooding is a common problem in Cloud Lake during hurricanes, with storm surge and heavy rainfall often leading to flash floods and water damage. Notably, due to climate change, sea levels are rising and hurricanes are predicted to become more intense, which could elevate the future hurricane threat and associated impacts for Cloud Lake.