King tides could provoke flooding again today along the east coast of South Florida, according to the National Weather Service Forecast Office Miami-South Florida.
A coastal flood advisory is in effect along the Atlantic coast, includingWest Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Homestead. A coastal flood statement is also in effect for "far south" Miami-Dade County and mainland Monroe County, "due to minor coastal flooding expected" along the Florida Bay shoreline.
"King tides will once again bring about moderate coastal flooding for areas along the SE Florida coasts of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties," reads the website for the NWS Forecast Office Miami-South Florida.
The unusually high tides already caused flooding in parts of
South Florida this weekend, and above-average high tides "could last over the next few days," according to the NWS.
King tides usually last around 3 hours, according to the City of West Palm Beach, and typically occur from September through November. King tides may prompt "sunny day flooding," which occurs when areas become temporarily flooded by even when it its not raining.
➤ Read more: When to expect king tides in Palm Beach County
What is a king tide?
A king tide is a "non-scientific term" often used to describe exceptionally high tides, according to NOAA.
Higher-than-normal tides usually occur during new or full moons, as well as when the moon is "at its perigee." Higher tides can also occur during specific seasons around the country.
Safety tips during king tide flooding
According to the City of West Palm Beach, the following safety precautions should be observed during king tide flooding:
- Do not drive through floodwater, as it can contain "unseen hazards," including trash and pollutants.
- If you do come in contact with flood water, clean your skin with soap and hot water.
- Do not park your vehicle in low-lying areas, and those that have "come into contact with floodwater should be checked and cleaned."
Sarah Perkel is a South Florida Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network's Florida Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: King tides expected to cause flooding in West Palm, parts of Florida
