South Florida's east coast is under a coastal flood warning, with major coastal flooding possible in the area from Monday through Wednesday.
"Major coastal flooding is expected across portions of the Atlantic coast today and tomorrow," according to the National Weather Service Office Miami-South Florida. "Salt water can damage cars, and remember to avoid driving through flooded roadways!"
The area under a coastal flood warning extends from Palm Beach County down to the upper Florida Keys, and includes West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Homestead.
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There is also a wind advisory in effect from 11 a.m. Oct. 26 to 8 p.m. ET Oct. 27 for "metro and coastal areas of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties."
Northeast winds 20 to 25 miles per hour "with frequent gusts up to 40" mph are expected. "Unsecured objects" could be blown around, "tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result."
A full list of watches, warnings and advisories for South Florida is available via the NWS.
According to the South Florida Water Management District's Oct. 19 forecast, which covers the period through Oct. 27, "tidal water levels" along the east coast of South Florida could exceed the National Weather Service "Minor Flooding" threshold in the "coming days," and could approach the "Major Flood" threshold "late in the forecast period." High tides along the east coast are predicted to peak along the east coast from Oct. 22 through Nov. 12, says the forecast.
In the Keys, tidal water levels were "currently near" the minor flood threshold when the forecast was posted, and could approach the "Moderate Flooding" threshold "late in the forecast period."
What are king tides?
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: King tides bring major flood warning to South Florida's coast
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