FL

Storm restoration across Hendry County

Hendry County is a fully inland county in south-central Florida, bordering Lake Okeechobee to the east and drained by the Caloosahatchee River. Its primary storm threats are sustained hurricane-force winds and prolonged inland flooding rather than coastal surge: Hurricane Irma (2017) produced Category 1 sustained winds and Category 2 gusts near LaBelle, destroyed 42 homes, and left widespread agricultural and residential flood damage that persisted for more than a week. Hurricane Ian (2022) struck with hurricane-force gusts in the western county around LaBelle and caused structural damage across 112 properties. The flat, low-lying terrain and historically poor natural drainage amplify rainfall accumulation after any landfalling Gulf storm tracking across Southwest Florida, making freshwater flooding the county's most persistent and damaging post-storm hazard.