County: Indian River
ZIP Codes: 32967
Vero Lake Estates, located in Indian River County, Florida, is particularly vulnerable to the threat of hurricanes due to its close proximity to the eastern seaboard of the state. Its coastal location, approximately 16 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, implies that it lies in the direct path of many storms that form in the Atlantic Basin. Moreover, the town's low elevation increases its risk of storm surge and flooding, a concern that is compounded by Florida's generally flat topographic profile. In terms of historical hurricanes, some of the most impactful include Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne in 2004, both of which were Category 2 storms when they made landfall in the vicinity and caused devastating flooding in the area. More recently, Hurricane Irma in 2017 brought catastrophic wind damage and widespread flooding that impacted Vero Lake Estates. As such, the key potential hurricane impacts for Vero Lake Estates include not only high winds but also torrential rain and the associated risk of flooding. Residents should also be prepared for the possibility of extended power outages, road blockages from fallen trees, and damage to property and infrastructure from both wind and water.