County: Hendry
ZIP Codes: 33935, 33975
LaBelle, Florida, though situated more inland than many other Florida regions, is not immune to the threats posed by hurricanes and accompanying tropical systems. Its relative distance from the coast can sometimes be a protective factor against the initial severity of storm systems; however, heavy precipitation and high-speed winds often reach inland areas like LaBelle. These can cause substantial damage due to wind-driven destruction, downed trees and power lines, and flooding. The town's low elevation relative to sea level significantly escalates its flood risk, especially considering the potential for projected sea level rise due to climate change. Historically, LaBelle has witnessed several significant storm events. The devastating Hurricane Wilma in 2005 affected the region, with powerful winds causing extensive damage. In 2017, the city was also directly in Hurricane Irma's path, resulting in notable physical destruction and downpours triggering local flooding. While these are only a couple of examples, they highlight the vulnerability of LaBelle to such extreme weather events. It is crucial to maintain preparedness and attentiveness to official information and suggestions during hurricane season due to the potential for significant storms to develop and impact the community.