County: Lee
ZIP Codes: 33908
Situated along the southwestern coastline of Florida, the town of Iona is in a high-risk area for hurricane threats due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. This proximity to the coast, combined with its low elevation, leaves Iona susceptible to hurricane damage, particularly flooding from storm surge. Historically, the area has seen frequent storm surges due to strong waterfront winds that often accompany tropical storms and hurricanes, and with the additional consideration of heavy rainfall, flooding is a primary concern. Its flat topography offers little in the way of natural barriers that could interrupt the progress of a hurricane, potentially increasing the impact of storm damages. Over the past 30 years, Iona had been adversely impacted by several major hurricanes and floods. Notably, in 2004, Hurricane Charley devastated the area, causing widespread damage and flooding. That was followed in 2005 by Hurricane Wilma, which also caused significant destruction. More recently, in 2017, Hurricane Irma passed directly over this area, leading to substantial property damage due to high-speed winds and producing major flooding as a result of storm surge and heavy rainfall. Residents in Iona should remain vigilant during the hurricane season and regularly updated on storm forecasts, evacuation orders, and safety measures.