County: Miami-Dade
ZIP Codes: 33149
Key Biscayne, Florida is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes due to its geographic location. Being directly situated on the coast, it often lies in the direct path of tropical cyclones forming in the Atlantic. Furthermore, its low elevation enhances its flood risk, with much of the area lying at sea level or slightly above. This issue is further compounded by the presence of Biscayne Bay, which can contribute in the form of storm surges during hurricanes. Additionally, the potential impacts of a hurricane can range widely from damaging winds and heavy rainfall, which not only pose a threat to infrastructure and homes, but can also lead to loss of electrical power, making heat stress a potential secondary threat. In the recent historical context, Key Biscayne has experienced notable hurricane-induced floods and destruction. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew directly hit Key Biscayne, causing widespread damage and making it one of the costliest hurricanes in Florida’s history. More recently, in 2017, Hurricane Irma passed over the Florida Keys and brought high winds and storm surge, leading to power outages and extensive damage. These instances provide evidence of the potential impacts that future storms may have on the area. It is therefore necessary for residents of Key Biscayne to take the hurricane threat very seriously and adopt proactive measures to protect against each hurricane season.