County: Miami-Dade
ZIP Codes: 33035, 33030, 33033
Homestead, Florida, due to its geographical positioning, is susceptible to severe threats from hurricanes. As a coastal city residing roughly 33 miles from Miami, Homestead鈥檚 proximity to the coast places it directly into the path of many tropical cyclones. The city is also relatively flat with minimal elevation, which increases its susceptibility to storm surge and flooding brought about by extreme rainfall. Homestead has experienced notable instances of flooding in the past, including severe incidents following Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma in 2005. The devastating impact of Hurricane Andrew in 1992 stands out in Homestead's history. As one of the strongest hurricanes to ever make landfall in the United States, Andrew caused catastrophic damage in Homestead. The city essentially had to be rebuilt after Andrew decimated it, with over 90% of its structures needing repairs per the National Hurricane Center. Given Homestead's history with hurricanes and floods, and geographical considerations, it is essential that measures of preparedness and resilience are consistently updated and reviewed. Hurricane prediction and early warning systems, coupled with effective evacuation plans, are crucial strategies to mitigate against potential devastation.