King Tides Threaten South Florida: What Residents Need To Know

South Florida residents are preparing for potential flooding this week, but not from the usual suspects of tropical storms or hurricanes. Instead, the culprit is a natural phenomenon known as "king tides," which could reach record-breaking levels. The warnings have followed coastal flooding advisories and statements issued by the National Weather Service for areas along the East Coast, Gulf Coast, and south coastal Miami-Dade.

The National Weather Service (NWS) recently posted on X, formerly Twitter, indicating that the worst flooding is expected to occur from Wednesday into early next week. Brian McNoldy, a senior research associate at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, mentioned that Miami could experience "record-breaking high tides" from October 16 to 23.

King tides occur when the sun, moon, and Earth align, creating stronger gravitational forces that raise the ocean's water levels higher than usual. These natural phenomena typically happen during new and full moons, and an additional factor is that a supermoon will occur on Thursday when the full moon is unusually close to Earth. This combination intensifies the effects of king tides, resulting in higher and more severe flooding.

However, forecasters warn that wind conditions will make this week’s king tides even more severe than usual. Robert Garcia, a senior meteorologist at NWS Miami, explained that the moon influences the tides, but a northeasterly wind is also funneling water toward the coast. He elaborated, stating, “It’s kind of like being in a bathtub and continuously shoving water with your hand in one direction. The water piles up.”

Although the flooding is only expected to be moderate, the warnings come just a week after Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene battered parts of the Sunshine State. With rainfall and already saturated ground, the effects of the king tides could compound, leading to worsening conditions in the coming days.

Garcia advised residents in the area to take extra precautions as the king tides approach. He cautioned against crossing flooded roads and recommended not to park vehicles in low-lying areas that may flood. Additionally, buildings closer to the water may require sandbags to prevent water intrusion.

For boaters, the NWS has also warned that king tides can cause lower clearance levels than normal under fixed bridges. It’s crucial for residents to keep up with the latest forecasts and consult local authorities to determine if beaches are safe for use.

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