County: Miami-Dade
ZIP Codes: 33160
Golden Beach, Florida, is located directly on the eastern coast, making it highly exposed and vulnerable to hurricanes and their associated impacts, such as storm surges, flooding, and strong winds. The town's low elevation means there's a potential for significant flooding, especially during high tide events or major downpours. Driven by hurricanes, storm surges can lead to extensive flooding, damaging homes, roads, and other infrastructure. Strong, damaging winds can also pose a threat to buildings, utilities, and vegetation in the town. Over the past 30 years, Golden Beach has experienced several notable hurricanes and floods. The most prominent being Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Hurricane Wilma in 2005, and Hurricane Irma in 2017. Each of these hurricanes caused significant damage due to high winds and flooding. The risk is compounded due to rising sea levels connected to climate change, and Golden Beach's coastal location and lack of elevation could exacerbate storm impacts further in the future. For these reasons, it is crucial that residents maintain awareness of the potential hurricane threats and follow guidelines for preparedness and evacuation when necessary.