County: Miami-Dade
ZIP Codes: 33154
Surfside, Florida, being a coastal town in southeast Florida, faces a significant threat from hurricanes and tropical storms. Its geographical positioning leaves it directly in the path of any storms building strength in the Atlantic and moving toward the state. The town's elevation, which is generally at sea level, is a considerable risk factor as storm surge tends to be a catastrophic issue for low lying areas. Given this, Surfside bears a considerable risk for flooding, specifically from heavy rainfall and hurricane-induced storm surge. In terms of historical data, Surfside, like much of South Florida, has experienced its share of notable hurricanes and floods over the last 30 years. Particularly, Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which was one of the most destructive hurricanes in US history, caused significant damage. More recently in 2017, Hurricane Irma caused widespread damage and storm surge-related flooding as it trekked up the west coast of Florida. It’s crucial for residents to be keenly aware of the high-risk status and take appropriate action when hurricane warnings are issued for their area – such as securing property and considering evacuation. Furthermore, continued efforts to mitigate storm surge impact, like well-maintained dune systems and sea walls, are recommended to protect against ongoing threats from climate-related sea level rise.