South Florida's low-lying communities can fall victim to flooding for a number of reasons, including due to king tides — which are "exceptionally high" tides, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Palm Beach County can expect higher tides during fall, say local authorities.
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.
According to Palm Beach County's website, Florida generally experiences king tides during the fall, "when seasonal factors like currents and temperature bring sea levels to their highest
for the year." The exact timing of the highest tide, however, "is influenced by local factors such as water temperatures, rainfall, storms, and variations in ocean currents."
When are high tides expected in Palm Beach County?
Palm Beach County's website states that particularly high tides are expected to occur on the following dates:
- October 26-29, 2026
- November 24-27, 2026
"King tides for 2026 are not predicted to reach the flood stage, the moderate flood stage or the major flood stage, but various factors, including storms, may cause higher-than-expected sea levels and flooding," reads the website.
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: When to expect king tides in Palm Beach County
