County: Hendry
ZIP Codes: 33440
Montura, Florida, located roughly 70 miles inland from both the east and west coasts, is not typically the first place one considers when evaluating potential hurricane impacts. However, hurricanes can travel inland and affect areas like Montura, especially during strong, extensive storms. The town, sitting at a relatively low elevation of about 13 feet, is vulnerable to flooding and rain-induced landslides during substantial rainfall events associated with hurricanes. Its low-lying topography can potentially exacerbate flooding. Additionally, post-storm impacts such as blocked roadways due to fallen trees or power lines, power outages, and infrastructure damage are also potential concerns for the town. Historically, Montura has been impacted by significant hurricanes including Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Charley in 2004, and more recently, Irma in 2017. Each of these storms caused considerable damage throughout the state and highlighted the susceptibility of inland areas like Montura. Even though major floods were uncommon in Montura’s history, periods of unusual heavy rain, often associated with tropical storms or hurricanes, overwhelmed local drainage systems, leading to isolated flooding events. Thus, despite Montura's inland position, it faces a definite hurricane threat that needs proper consideration for future preparedness and response planning.