County: Miami-Dade
ZIP Codes: 33165
Westwood Lakes, Florida is situated inland and has an elevation closer to sea level, which puts it at a high risk for flooding in the event of a major storm. The town's relative distance from the coastline - although advantageous in terms of reduced wind damage - does not necessarily provide complete safety from hurricane impacts. Most notable among these impacts are heavy rainfall and consequent flooding, especially given the locale's elevation and the state’s flat topography. Notably, hurricanes with a slower forward speed tend to dump more rainfall over central and inland parts, which may mean more potential for flood-related damage in Westwood Lakes. Over the past 30 years, Westwood Lakes has experienced numerous hurricanes and floods. One major one includes Hurricane Andrew in 1992 which was a Category 5 hurricane and ravaged parts of Florida, causing significant flooding and wind damage. More recently, Hurricane Irma in 2017 also caused considerable flooding across the town. These historical precedents underscore the pronounced flood risk the town faces during hurricane season. Thus, residents should consider flood safety measures and emergency planning in addition to standard hurricane preparedness practices.