County: Manatee
ZIP Codes: 34208, 34209, 34205, 34206, 34281
Bradenton, Florida is located right on the Gulf Coast of the state and is therefore particularly vulnerable to the threats posed by hurricanes, including high winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surge. Given its coastal location, one of the primary concerns would be storm surge flooding. While Bradenton has a relatively flat terrain with an average elevation of just 7 feet, certain low-lying areas in and around the city have experienced significant flooding in the past during hurricane events. Additionally, increased rainfall can create issues with water runoff and potentially overwhelm the existing drainage infrastructure leading to flooding. In terms of historical hurricanes, Bradenton has been impacted by several notable storms over the last 30 years. One of the most significant was Hurricane Irma in 2017. Even though the storm had significantly weakened by the time it reached Bradenton, it still caused considerable flooding and wind damage. Additionally, Hurricane Charley in 2004 skirted nearby, causing power outages and minor damage. The most devastating hurricane to impact the region was probably the infamous Category 4 storm, Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Although Bradenton did not take a direct hit, it still suffered from the peripherals of the catastrophic system. Therefore, any potential hurricane could severely impact Bradenton, causing substantial flooding, property damage, and potential loss of life. Therefore, local hurricane preparedness plans must be adequately developed and communicated to the residents.