County: Miami-Dade
ZIP Codes: 33147, 33150, 33247
West Little River, Florida, while further inland than many other Florida communities, is not immune to the threats that hurricanes pose. Due to its location in the southeastern region of Florida, it lies in a major hurricane corridor and can still suffer from high wind speeds, heavy rains, and secondary effects such as power outages, property damage, and fallen trees. Furthermore, despite the town's distance from the coast, storm surges can still pose a risk. Water can be pushed inland from Biscayne Bay through rivers and channels, potentially causing flooding in the town. This is exacerbated by the town's low average elevation of about 10 feet above sea level. One of the primary considerations for the residents would be to prepare for severe wind damages and heavy rain-induced flooding. In terms of historical context, Florida has had numerous encounters with devastating hurricanes, and West Little River has had its fair share of those. For example, Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and Hurricane Wilma in 2005 brought significant destruction to the entire Miami-Dade County, including West Little River. Flooding is also not unprecedented in this region, considering the impact of the rainfall from hurricanes like Katrina, which caused flooding across South Florida in 2005. Hence, it's essential for residents to stay well informed about evacuation plans and take necessary precautions whenever a hurricane threat is forecasted.