County: Collier
ZIP Codes: 34104
Berkshire Lakes, Florida faces significant risks from hurricanes due to its proximity to the coast. It's located just a little over 10 miles inland, meaning hurricanes that make landfall nearby can still impact the community greatly. The area's relatively low elevation further increases the risk, particularly from storm surge and flooding. Berkshire Lakes is primarily at risk from heavy rainfall associated with tropical systems, as its flat terrain and water-table elevation can lead to rapid flooding. When considering other hurricane impacts, residents should be prepared for potential wind damage and power outages. In terms of its hurricane history, the most significant events in recent decades include Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Wilma in 2005. Irma, a Category 3 hurricane at landfall on Marco Island, produced heavy rainfall and severe flooding, with recorded winds over 100 mph. Only a decade prior, Hurricane Wilma, also a Category 3 at its closest approach, caused significant power outages and some flooding. These events underline the need for hurricane preparedness, including flood risk management, in Berkshire Lakes.