County: Miami-Dade
ZIP Codes: 33032
Naranja, Florida, despite not being directly on the coast, still holds a significant risk in the event of a hurricane due to its geographical location in southern Florida. The town's relatively low elevation adds to its vulnerability, as this facilitates the influx of flood water, which can lead to wide spread damage. Additionally, the town's proximity to large bodies of water, such as the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, pose a consistent threat as these are key factors in the development of a hurricane. In particular, storm surge inundation could pose notable risk in spite of its distance from the coast, especially with increasingly intense and frequent storms due to climate change. Over the last 30 years, Naranja has experienced high-impact hurricanes and flooding events that have affected the region. For instance, Hurricane Andrew, one of the most destructive hurricanes in U.S history, made landfall near here in 1992, causing significant damage and loss of life. Additionally, other major hurricanes like Irma (2017) and Wilma (2005) brought heavy rains, strong winds, and storm surges to the region, leading to flooding and consequent property damage. Given this historical data, it is crucial for Naranja to implement and practice effective hurricane preparedness measures due to its high susceptibility to hurricane threats.