County: Palm Beach
ZIP Codes: 33477, 33458, 33468
Jupiter, Florida, lies directly on the coastline, which poses a high risk for impact from hurricanes and tropical storms. Being a coastal town, Jupiter does not have the benefit of a land buffer that can absorb some of the storm's energy, putting it directly in the pathway of the storm’s full strength. Furthermore, the area elevation is relatively low, leading to increased risk of storm surge, which is often the most damaging aspect of a hurricane. Given its geographical positioning and topographic characteristics, the town is inherently vulnerable to flooding, both from storm surge and heavy rainfall that accompanies these cyclonic storms. Historical data indicates that Jupiter has encountered a myriad of severe storms over the last three decades. A major hurricane that impacted Jupiter significantly was Hurricane Jeanne in 2004, which not only caused damage due to potent winds but also led to substantial flooding, exacerbating the overall damage. Hurricane Irma in 2017 also triggered severe power outages and flooding in portions of the town. Additionally, in 1999, Hurricane Floyd posed a significant threat, although a last minute turn away from the coastline spared the town from its full force. Emergency preparedness for hurricanes, and extensive, ongoing flood mitigation efforts should be priorities for Jupiter, considering its high vulnerability position and history of notable hurricanes and floods.