Evacuation Guide

Miami, Florida Evacuation Routes

Plan your escape with optimized routes and safe zones

Threat Assessment

Hurricane

Miami is one of the most hurricane-vulnerable major cities. Andrew (1992) caused $27B+ in damage. Category 4-5 storms can produce 150+ mph winds.

Storm Surge

Low elevation (avg 6 feet) makes Miami extremely vulnerable to storm surge. A Cat 4 hurricane could push 10-15 feet of surge into coastal areas.

Sea Level Rise / King Tides

Miami experiences sunny-day flooding during king tides. Sea level has risen 6+ inches since 2000 and accelerating. Threatens infrastructure long-term.

Coastal Flooding

Heavy tropical rainfall on flat, low-lying terrain overwhelms drainage. Porous limestone bedrock means water rises from below, not just above.

Tornado (Hurricane-Spawned)

Hurricanes approaching Miami can spawn tornadoes in outer bands, especially to the northeast of the storm center.

Evacuation Routes

I-95 North to Fort Lauderdale / West Palm Beach

primary

Primary northern evacuation via I-95. Most direct route away from South Florida coastal zone. Connects to I-75 and Florida's Turnpike for further inland travel.

70 miles to West Palm Beach1.5 hours (normal), 5-8 hours (evacuation)

I-95 becomes severely congested during hurricane evacuations - expect 5-8 hour delays

Fuel stations north of Miami run dry fast - fill up before entering highway

Hurricane

Storm Surge

Coastal Flood

Florida's Turnpike Northwest to Orlando

secondary

Northwest evacuation via Florida's Turnpike. Moves inland quickly and heads to Central Florida. Less coastal exposure than I-95.

235 miles to Orlando3.5 hours (normal), 10-14 hours (evacuation)

Turnpike tolls suspended during mandatory evacuation orders

Moves you inland faster than I-95, reducing storm surge risk earlier

Hurricane

Storm Surge

Sea Level Event

US-1 South to the Keys (NOT FOR HURRICANE)

tertiary

WARNING: Do NOT use during hurricane evacuation. Only for localized mainland emergencies. Route heads south through Florida Keys on a single road with no alternate routes.

160 miles to Key West3.5 hours (normal), 6-8 hours (congested)

NEVER USE FOR HURRICANE EVACUATION - single road, no escape from Keys during storms

Only for localized Miami events: chemical spill, civil unrest

Localized Civil Unrest

Chemical Spill

Non-Hurricane Emergency

I-75 West (Alligator Alley) to Naples

secondary

Western evacuation via I-75 across the Everglades. Moves directly away from Atlantic coast threats. Reaches Gulf Coast side of Florida.

125 miles to Naples2 hours (normal), 5-7 hours (evacuation)

NO fuel, food, or services for 80+ miles across the Everglades

Fill up completely before entering Alligator Alley

Atlantic Hurricane (approaching from east)

Storm Surge

Tsunami

Miami Beach Causeway Walk to Mainland

foot

On-foot evacuation from Miami Beach to mainland Miami via causeways. Critical for Beach residents when bridges may close to vehicle traffic.

5 miles (MacArthur Causeway)1.5-2.5 hours on foot

Evacuate Miami Beach EARLY - causeways close before hurricanes arrive

Extreme sun exposure on causeways - carry water and sun protection

Pre-Hurricane Beach Evacuation

Vehicle Unavailable

Bridge Traffic Gridlock

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Safe Zones & Rally Points

Miami-Dade County Fair Expo Center (Shelter)

shelter • Capacity: 5,000

FIU (Florida International University) Shelters

shelter • Capacity: 3,000

Jackson Memorial Hospital (Ryder Trauma Center)

hospital • Capacity: 1,547

University of Miami Hospital

hospital • Capacity: 560

Baptist Hospital of Miami

hospital • Capacity: 728

Miami Fire Station 1 - Central

fire station

Tropical Park Rally Point

rally point

Marlins Park Area Rally Point

rally point

Miami International Airport (MIA)

resource

AmericanAirlines Arena / Kaseya Center

rally point

Homestead Air Reserve Base

resource

Miami Dade College - Kendall Campus Shelter

shelter • Capacity: 2,000

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