County: Broward
ZIP Codes: 33029, 33028, 33025, 33024, 33026, 33023, 33027, 33084
Pembroke Pines, Florida, sits approximately 8 miles inland from the Atlantic coast, meaning it is at a moderate risk level for destructive hurricane impacts, but not as immediately vulnerable as some coastal towns. However, storms of sufficient intensity passing nearby can still bring major impacts, such as high-speed winds, torrential rains, and subsequent flooding, damaging property and infrastructure. Its relatively low elevation—around 7 feet above sea level—increases its vulnerability to any potential storm surge, particularly if a storm's track brings heavy rain to the broader region. Regular flooding can occur even during non-hurricane storm events due to the flat topography and numerous bodies of water in and around the city. Over the past three decades, Pembroke Pines has experienced significant hurricane impacts. Most notably, it was severely affected by Hurricane Andrew in August 1992, which caused extensive damage but also spurred on building code improvements across Florida. In 2005, Hurricane Wilma represented another significant event, with widespread power outages and structural damage recorded in the area. More recently, Hurricanes Matthew (2016) and Irma (2017) also posed substantial threats to the city, primarily through powerful winds, heavy rainfall, and the associated increased risk of flooding. Given these historical precedents, preparation for and resilience against future hurricanes should be a key consideration for Pembroke Pines.