County: Miami-Dade
ZIP Codes: 33014, 33169, 33055, 33056, 33054, 33269
Miami Gardens, Florida as a coastal city is subject to significant hurricane threats. While it is approximately 15 miles inland from the coast, its relative peace is disputed by its low-lying topography, with city's average elevation being just 7 feet above sea level, leaving it susceptible to storm surges and flooding. The close proximity of the Atlantic Ocean and the hot tropical climate make Miami Gardens a potential target for hurricanes, which can cause significant damage to infrastructure and lead to life-threatening situations. The risk of hurricane-induced flooding is particularly high in Miami Gardens, further exacerbated by its relatively flat terrain that hampers effective runoff. The impact of climate change, leading to an increase in extreme weather phenomena as well as rising sea levels, poses additional risks to this community.
In the past 30 years, Miami Gardens has been affected by multiple major hurricanes and floods. Notably, Hurricane Andrew in 1992 caused significant damage and changed much of the city's landscape permanently due its intense winds and storm surge. In 2005, Miami Gardens was also severely impacted by Hurricane Wilma, which caused widespread power outages and structural damage to buildings and homes in the area. A historic amount of rainfall in 2012 led to substantial flooding that affected thousands of homes in Miami Gardens. Residents must continue to be prepared to evacuate if necessary, secure their properties, and be aware of flood safety precautions to better handle the potential threats posed by hurricanes and flooding.