County: Lee
ZIP Codes: 33967
Three Oaks, Florida, located in Lee County, is slightly inland from the southeast Gulf Coast but is still under considerable risk from potential hurricane threats. Despite being nearly 11 miles from the coast, this proximity doesn't shelter it enough from the severe weather phenomena typical in southwestern Florida. Historically, its relatively low average elevation of just 10 feet above sea level further exacerbates potential flood risks during severe rain events, contributing to a high probability of flooding. Increased flooding risk, along with possible high-speed winds and downed power lines, can culminate in hazard scenarios that can strain local emergency response capacity and infrastructure. Over the last 30 years, several major hurricanes have affected Three Oaks. Hurricane Charley, which made landfall in 2004, was one of the most impactful, causing widespread damage in the region. More recently, Hurricane Irma struck Florida in 2017, resulting in significant wind and flood damage in Lee County. Three Oaks, in particular, experienced widespread power outages and flooding in various areas due to this storm. This history illustrates the region's vulnerability to such events and emphasizes the need for residents to take hurricane threats seriously with appropriate preparation and disaster planning.