County: Miami-Dade
ZIP Codes: 33014, 33016, 33010, 33012, 33013, 33018
Hialeah, Florida, despite its location somewhat inland, should not underestimate its risk from hurricanes. The city is roughly 10 miles from the coast, which means storm surges, while not a direct risk, can still cause significant problems if they lead to higher water levels in surrounding bodies of water. Moreover, the elevation in Hialeah is near sea level, adding to the risk of flooding, especially when you also consider the potential of heavy rain associated with hurricanes. Hialeah has also been known to experience severe wind damage and power outages due to hurricanes. It's also worth considering the logistical challenges posed by mandatory and voluntary evacuations; the city's large population and congested traffic could complicate these operations. Historically, Hialeah has been affected by numerous significant hurricanes and floods. Within the past 30 years, Hurricane Andrew (1992), one of the most destructive hurricanes in US history, wreaked tremendous havoc in Hialeah with strong winds and heavy rainfall. Moreover, Floyds (1999), Wilma (2005) and Irma (2017) also caused significant damage to the city. Each of these hurricanes demonstrated the potential for the severe destruction in Hialeah and showed that despite being slightly inland, the city needs to take all hurricane warnings and preparatory measures seriously. The most common damage experienced in Hialeah besides wind damage, appears to be flood-related, a critical consideration due to the city's low elevation. Therefore, residents should be vigilant about storm risk even when Hialeah is not expected to take a direct hit.