County: Miami-Dade
ZIP Codes: 33144, 33155, 33245
Coral Terrace, Florida, relatively close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay could increase the risk of hurricane impact due to coastal systems, even though it's not directly on the coast. While Coral Terrace is largely characterized by a flat, low-lying topography with an elevation that averages just about 10 feet above sea level, this could exacerbate the risk of storm surge flooding, particularly during high tide. Historical data shows that Coral Terrace is vulnerable to persistent and significant flooding, even from smaller tropical systems and outer rain bands independent of direct hurricane hits. This may be enhanced by the community's aging stormwater infrastructure. Furthermore, heavy rains not associated with hurricanes often cause flooding in Coral Terrace. Historically, Coral Terrace has been affected by several major hurricanes. One of the most significant of these is Hurricane Andrew that hit Florida in August 1992 causing severe damage. The town was also affected by Hurricane Irma in 2017 with substantial flooding, and Hurricane Wilma in 2005 caused widespread wind damage. Evaluating these factors suggests that Coral Terrace stands a substantial risk of hurricane threats, with potential impacts ranging from storm surge flooding, heavy rainfall, high winds, and even tornadic activities associated with landfalling tropical systems. Given this historical context, adequate preparation and evacuation plans during hurricane season are immensely critical for Coral Terrace residents.