Miami-Dade County Issues New Storm Surge Map Affecting More Homes
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Miami-Dade County has updated its storm surge planning zone maps as residents prepare for the 2013 hurricane season, which will begin on June 1.
The updated maps make what the county calls "a significant change in the areas that are at risk for storm surge, when compared to what we have been using for the last 10 years." Instead of zones A-C, the new maps will have zones A-E and will incorporate all areas of the County at risk of storm surge.
In other words, the number of people who may have to evacuate due to storm surge concerns has grown due to the new maps.
The storm surge zones are not based on storm category anymore; instead, they are solely based upon the storm surge potential of each individual storm which can vary greatly depending on the size, speed, strength, and direction of approach.
The maps were created using a combination of Light Detection and Ranging data along with larger hurricane simulations due to the larger and more intense storms that have been in the Atlantic over the last few years, according to the County.
Remember, storm zone planning maps and flood zone maps are completely different. It is possible that you can be out of a flood zone and still be in a surge zone.
- Click here for an interactive map from the County that allows you to search for your zone based on your address.
- Click here for more information and tips on the new storm surge zone planning maps
