County: Miami-Dade
ZIP Codes: 33166, 33011
Miami Springs, Florida, despite being situated approximately six miles inland from the coast, is certainly not immune to the devastating threats posed by hurricanes. The low-average elevation of approximately five feet above sea level renders the area exceedingly susceptible to flooding, particularly when storm surges occur in nearby coastal areas. Miami Springs' proximity to significant bodies of water such as the Miami River, Miami Canal, and various lakes increases its risk for both hurricane-induced damage and flooding. Historical flood risk also amplifies this susceptibility, with significant flooding often occurring after substantial rainfall events, even in the absence of hurricanes. Over the past 30 years, Miami Springs has suffered the effects of major hurricanes, one of the most notable being Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which resulted in massive destruction and loss of life. More recently, Hurricanes Irma (2017) and Michael (2018) caused widespread damage and power outages, despite not making direct landfall in the area. This serves as a reminder of the wide-reaching impacts even "near-miss" hurricanes can have, particularly for towns like Miami Springs that are in usual hurricane pathways. The convergence of Miami Springs' low elevation, geographical attributes, and historical weather patterns necessitates vigilance, consistent monitoring, and preparedness to mitigate the impacts of future storm events.