County: Miami-Dade
ZIP Codes: 33170
Goulds, Florida is an area of particular vulnerability given its geographical location. Located approximately 8 miles southwest of mainland Miami and just about 6 miles inland from the clearly defined Florida coastline, Goulds is relatively low-lying, with an average elevation of just 10 feet above sea level. This close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean along with its low elevation makes it highly susceptible to storm surges and flooding, especially from hurricanes. Additionally, the impact of high-speed winds from such storms can cause significant infrastructural damage and power outages which subsequently disrupts the daily life of the residents. Over the past 30 years, Goulds has witnessed several impactful storms and hurricanes. The most significant was probably Hurricane Andrew in 1992 which devastated much of South Florida including Goulds. The town also felt the effects of the "No Name Storm" of 2000 which caused widespread flooding throughout southern Florida. More recently, Hurricane Irma in 2017 also caused significant damage in Goulds. These past events underscore the need for effective hurricane preparedness and response measures in order to protect lives and property. It is crucial that residents of Goulds remain mindful of these threats and take appropriate action during hurricane season.