County: Miami-Dade
ZIP Codes: 33162, 33160, 33280
North Miami Beach, Florida, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of a hurricane due to its geographic location and low elevation. Given that North Miami Beach is a coastal city and situated near Biscayne Bay, the risk for storm surge, strong winds, and heavy precipitation is high. Areas with low elevation like this can experience significant flooding from hurricanes, particularly in instances of high tidal surges. Historical flood risk is quite significant, especially considering the town's extensive canal system and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, both of which can amplify the effects of surge and rainfall-induced flooding. In the last 30 years, several major hurricanes and tropical storms have directly impacted North Miami Beach. The most significant of these was Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which caused substantial wind and water damage to the community. Other devastating storms include Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Hurricane Wilma in the same year, and Hurricane Irma in 2017. These storms brought destructive winds that knocked out power for extensive periods and caused widespread structural damage. Furthermore, with evidence of climate change suggesting more frequent and intense storms, North Miami Beach's vulnerability to hurricanes and the accompanying flood risks may increase in the future. Therefore, continued efforts to bolster the town's disaster preparedness, resilience, and flood defenses are of utmost importance.