Opa-locka, Florida is at a fairly high risk for hurricane impacts due to its geographic location within the Miami-Dade county and its proximity to the coast. Although it is located approximately 11 miles inland, its distance doesn't necessarily offer protection as hurricanes often move past the immediate coastline. The town lies at a low-lying elevation of approximately 10 feet above sea level, making it prone to flooding - a significant problem associated with hurricanes. Historically, large storm surges along the coast, combined with significant rainfall can lead to serious flooding situations in this area. Additionally, Opa-locka's built infrastructure, such as housing and utility lines, may be susceptible to wind damage since hurricanes in this region are often accompanied by heavy winds. In terms of historical hurricane impacts, Opa-locka has seen its fair share since its inception. However, in the last 30 years, the most significant hurricanes to impact the town have been Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and Hurricane Irma in 2017. Both of these Category 5 storms brought destructive winds and flooding to the area. Hurricane Andrew was particularly damaging as it made landfall near Homestead, just south of Opa-locka. The impact caused significant property damage and power outages in Opa-locka. Similarly, Hurricane Irma caused widespread flooding and wind damage across much of southern Florida, including Opa-locka. It's crucial for residents to consider these risks and prepare accordingly during hurricane season.