County: St. Lucie
ZIP Codes: 34982, 34981
Fort Pierce South in Florida has a significant potential for hurricane impacts due to its coastal location on the Atlantic side of the state. Situated close to the coast, this area has a history of hurricanes directly making landfall or passing nearby, causing significant damage due to high winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges. The area also has a minimal elevation, further enhancing the risk of flooding during these events. Historically, Fort Pierce South and the surrounding St. Lucie County have experienced a number of major hurricanes and tropical storms. In 2004, Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne made landfall near Fort Pierce, which caused extensive damage due to winds and flooding. More recently, Hurricane Dorian in 2019 was a near-miss that still caused significant flooding in the area. These events serve as a reminder that locals should undertake necessary precautionary measures particularly during the Atlantic hurricane season from June through November. Storm impacts may include damage to infrastructure and homes, flooding of roads and residential areas, extended power outages, and even potential loss of life. The town must therefore take into account comprehensive disaster management strategies to mitigate potential losses.