County: Palm Beach
ZIP Codes: 33409
Westgate, Florida, situated in Palm Beach County, has a moderate to high level of exposure to hurricane impacts due to its proximity to the southeast Florida coastline. This location exposes the town to storm surges, wind damage, and flood risks as hurricanes frequently make landfall or graze the Florida east coast. Being relatively flat with a minimal elevation difference across the town, Westgate is vulnerable to flooding rainfall associated with tropical cyclones, posing a serious risk of inundation during a storm event. While the area possesses measures for flood control, the rapid and intense rainfall from hurricanes can often overwhelm these systems. In terms of historical hurricane impacts, Westgate has experienced notable storms over the past 30 years. Hurricane Andrew in 1992 caused significant wind damage in the region. More recently, hurricanes like Frances and Jeanne in 2004, Wilma in 2005, and Irma in 2017, all left their mark on the community with extensive flooding and wind damage. Historically, slow-moving storms or those that have made repeated landfalls in Florida have posed the highest flood risk to Westgate. As a weather historian, it is crucial to consider these historical events as well as the evolving climate patterns in assessing the potential hurricane threat for this coastal community.