County: Walton
ZIP Codes: 32550
Miramar Beach, Florida, situated directly along the coast in Walton County, is inherently susceptible to significant hurricane impacts. The geographic location makes this area vulnerable not just to extremely dangerous wind speeds, but also to storm surges and substantial rainfall capable of producing severe flooding. The elevation in Miramar Beach does not significantly eclipse sea level for the most part, enhancing the risk of flooding during major storm events. Notably, the area has experienced a history of hurricane-related flood due to storm surges and heavy rainbands. Moreover, the city's geographical location, combined with increasing ocean temperatures, may expose it to higher category hurricanes. Within the past 30 years, Miramar Beach has suffered the impact of several significant storms such as Hurricane Erin in 1995, Hurricane Ivan in 2004, and Hurricane Michael in 2018. Each of these hurricanes caused considerable wind damage and flooding in the region. Hurricane Michael, in particular, a category 5 storm, wreaked significant havoc in the area with powerful winds and storm surges that resulted in serious property damage, specific to infrastructure along the coastline and inland as well. Considering this history, preparations for these storms must be comprehensive, considering both the immediate coastline vulnerabilities and potential for substantial inland flooding.