County: Collier
ZIP Codes: 34108
Pelican Bay, Florida is a coastal town highly prone to storms and hurricane threats due to its direct proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. While the town rests at a fairly low elevation, it is important to note that its topography and geographic location increase its vulnerability to storm surges and flooding during severe weather events. Furthermore, this area frequently experiences heavy rainfall during hurricane season that can exacerbate flooding conditions, particularly for homes and businesses in low-lying areas. Throughout history, this region has been directly affected by several major hurricanes like the Hurricane Andrew (1992) and Hurricane Irma (2017), which resulted in widespread wind damage and catastrophic flooding. In the last 30 years, Hurricane Irma especially left an indelible mark on Pelican Bay, causing significant property damage and leading to massive evacuation efforts due to the threat of storm surges. Additionally, tropical storms in this area can be incredibly destructive, even when the center of the storm is several miles offshore. In the case of potential adverse weather conditions, local residents should prepare for power outages as well as significant wind and water damage. Therefore, it is crucial for Pelican Bay residents to have comprehensive evacuation plans in place and to heed all emergency advisories from local and state officials. The frequency and severity of these weather events are liable to change as climate change impacts weather patterns around the globe.