Hendry County in south-central Florida is a predominantly agricultural county with significant sugarcane farming operations. Hurricane Irma in 2017 caused serious damage across the county. The low-lying terrain between Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades creates complex flood dynamics. The Herbert Hoover Dike surrounding Lake Okeechobee has been called one of the most dangerous dams in the United States — a catastrophic breach could inundate communities including Clewiston in Hendry County.
// Preparedness Recommendations
- Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
- Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
- Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
- Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.
// Recommended Supplies
Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.
- Emergency Food Supplies
- Water Filtration & Storage
- Backup Generator
- Solar Backup Power
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// Risk Intelligence
| Threat Score | 6 / 10 Moderate Risk |
| Primary Hazard | Hurricane / Flash Flooding |
| Secondary Hazard | Extreme Heat |
| FEMA Flood Zone | High |
| Federally Declared Disasters | 7 |
| Last Major Event | Irma 2017 |
| Event Frequency | Annual |
// Emergency Operations
| Emergency Mgmt Phone | (863) 675-5280 |
| Emergency Shelters | 4 designated facilities |
| Evacuation Routes | US-27 FL-80 FL-29 FL-833 |
// County Profile
| County | Hendry County FL |
| State | Florida (FL) |
| Population | 41 |
| Area | 1,153 sq miles |
| FEMA Region | High |
// Other Florida Counties
Monroe County FL
Hurricane / Storm Surge
10/10
Critical
Miami-Dade County FL
Hurricane / Storm Surge
9/10
Critical
Pinellas County FL
Hurricane / Storm Surge
9/10
Critical
Bay County FL
Hurricane / Storm Surge
9/10
Critical
Lee County FL
Hurricane / Storm Surge
9/10
Critical
Charlotte County FL
Hurricane / Storm Surge
9/10
Critical