County: Brevard
ZIP Codes: 32959, 32927, 32926
Sharpes, Florida, is situated on the central east coast of the state, directly adjacent to the Indian River and Atlantic Ocean, therefore it's at a considerable risk during hurricane season. Its geographical location makes it prone to receiving the full strength of any Atlantic-based hurricane system, with elevated possibilities of storm surge, coastal flooding, destructive winds, and heavy rain. Additionally, there's minimal elevation in Sharpes (average elevation of 10 feet), which greatly increases flood susceptibility during significant rain events associated with tropical systems. Historically, Sharpes has experienced a number of major hurricanes and significant flood incidents in the last 30 years. Some of the most notable storms include the back-to-back hurricanes Frances and Jeanne in 2004, and Hurricane Irma in 2017. Both 2004 hurricanes caused widespread damage due to heavy rainfall and strong winds, with extensive flooding reported. Irma, a category 4 storm, also caused widespread flooding and extensive wind damage, highlighting the area's susceptibility to robust hurricanes. It's vital for the residents and authorities in Sharpes to stay prepared for such events with vigilant monitoring of storm paths, well-structured emergency response plans and reliable evacuation procedures.