County: Miami-Dade
ZIP Codes: 33146, 33143, 33134, 33158, 33156, 33114, 33206, 33234
Coral Gables, Florida, commonly known as “The City Beautiful,” is a coastal region that is consistently at risk of hurricanes, making it particularly vulnerable to a multitude of hurricane-associated hazards. It is located approximately 10 miles from the southern point of the Atlantic coast, which actually increases its susceptibility to enduring the brunt of many of the region's tropical storms and hurricanes. The city's low average elevation, with most areas being at or below sea level, presents a significant concern for flooding during storm surge events. Indeed, historical data reveals that Coral Gables has a high flood risk, primarily due to its low-lying geography and its proximity to Biscayne Bay to the east and the Everglades to the west. Heavy rainfalls associated with hurricanes often lead to severe flooding, causing destruction of property and infrastructure, and even the loss of lives. In the past 30 years, there have been several significant hurricane events that have impacted Coral Gables directly. One of the most devastating was Hurricane Andrew in 1992, a Category 5 storm that devastated much of Miami-Dade county, and made a particular impact on Coral Gables, leading to significant property damage and power outages. More recently, Coral Gables was impacted by Hurricane Irma in 2017, which, while not as devastating as Andrew, still caused significant damage, particularly to the city's extensive tree canopy. These historical events are reminders of the potential risks that hurricanes pose to Coral Gables, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation and planning. In conclusion, when considering the hazards associated with hurricanes, the city’s residents and officials must thoroughly consider elements like high wind speeds, flooding, storm surge, and heavy rainfall.