County: Palm Beach
ZIP Codes: 33430
Belle Glade, Florida, located inland and to the south of Lake Okeechobee, is subject to significant hurricane threats, although it is somewhat protected by its distance from the immediate coastline. However, its proximity to Lake Okeechobee could pose an elevated flood risk, especially during heavy hurricane-induced rainfall. Historically, Belle Glade is susceptible to flood events, notably illustrated during the 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane when a dike broke and resulted in catastrophic flooding. The town's relatively flat topography and elevation close to sea level compounds these concerns, as water can pool and accumulate rapidly, causing severe flooding. Over the last 30 years, a number of major storms affected Belle Glade, such as Hurricane Andrew (1992), Hurricane Frances (2004), and Hurricane Irma (2017). Of these, Hurricane Frances brought significant flooding to the region. It's noteworthy to mention that any tropical cyclone passing over Lake Okeechobee can generate lake-effect rainfall, which can further amplify flood-related concerns for Belle Glade. Therefore, the town needs to be well-prepared for both wind and water-related impacts from hurricanes. Residents should have evacuation plans in place and utilize available flood mitigation strategies to protect from these events.