County: Lee
ZIP Codes: 33913
Gateway, Florida, situated inland and relatively away from the coastline, is somewhat buffered by the worst of direct coastal impacts from hurricanes; however, the region is not immune to the dangers these storms can bring. Significant impacts from hurricanes can still occur, particularly with respect to severe winds and flooding rainfall. The area being at a relatively low elevation further amplifies the risk of flooding. Gateway's vulnerability is exacerbated by the fact that the heavy rainfall associated with hurricanes often gets accumulated in this region, leading to flash floods. Over the past 30 years, Gateway has experienced the effects of several major hurricanes, notably Hurricane Charley in 2004 and Irma in 2017. Charley brought heavy winds, which resulted in extensive damage to properties, while Irma led to substantial flooding across the area. Even though Gateway is not directly on the coast, it is critical that residents pay close attention to hurricane forecasts and heed evacuation orders when necessary, as the town's low elevation and historical flood risk pose considerable risks during hurricane season.