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). Over the next three days, king tides are expected in Miami-Dade, say local authorities.
King tides usually last around 3 hours, according to the City of Miami Beach, and typically occur during September, October and November. King tides may prompt "sunny day flooding," which occurs when "streets, roads, and sidewalks" become temporarily flooded, "even when it is not raining."
"More severe flooding may result if king tides coincide with bad weather conditions such as heavy rains, strong winds or big waves," reads Miami-Dade
County's website. "However, sea level rise is causing these tides to happen more frequently, to last longer and extend further inland than in the past."
When are king tides expected in Miami-Dade County?
The predicted dates in 2026 are based on NOAA's "Annual Prediction Tide Tables from the Virginia Key station," according to the city of Miami Beach, and are as follows:
- September 10-13
- September 26-30
- October 7-13* (Highest predicted tide: October 10)
- October 24-30* (Highest predicted tide: October 26 and 27)
- November 6-9
- November 23-26
The asterisks (*) denote the highest predicted tide.
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 Miami, 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."
- Properties that are in low-lying areas should use "flood mitigation options," like sand bags.
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 USA TODAY: When to expect king tides in Miami-Dade County, what to do if it floods
