King Tides

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What is a King Tide?

A King Tide is a higher-than-normal tide that typically lasts about 3 hours. King Tides occur annually and predictably; in September through November in West Palm Beach. King Tides may cause residents to experience "sunny-day flooding" where a street or other areas will temporarily become flooded when it is not raining.

Tides occur as a result of the moon's gravitational pull on our oceans. The height of tides depend mostly on where the moon is in its 28-day orbit around the Earth and on every 14th day, the moon and the sun line up with the Earth, creating a spring tide. That's why you can expect to see a spring tide on the same day you observe a full moon or a new moon! Some spring tides are higher than others based on how close the moon is to the Earth at that time.

In Florida, King Tides are generally experienced in the fall, when other seasonal factors like currents and temperature bring sea levels to their highest for the year. The exact timing of the highest tide is influenced by local factors such as water temperatures, rainfall, storms, and variations in ocean currents.

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Where should I expect King Tide flooding?

High water levels caused by King Tides can cause flooding on streets or other areas near waterways and the coast. In addition, areas of the City at low elevation that are not along the intracoastal may also experience flooding during King Tides.

When should I expect King Tide flooding in 2023?

  • September 29- October 2, expected within three inches of action stage
  • October 27-31, expected within three inches of action stage
  • November 26, expected within three inches of action stage

 

Other weather conditions may impact the timing and severity of King Tides – for example heavy rains, tropical conditions including higher winds and waves may cause higher than expected tides with longer durations. Be prepared to see local impacts during the week surrounding these dates. 

Additional tide and water level information can be found by visiting the NOAA Tide Prediction webpage. 

 

King Tide Safety Tips

  • Floodwater may contain unseen hazards such as trash and pollutants picked up from the environment, pets, wildlife, broken glass and other debris.  Do not enter floodwater and do not allow children to play in floodwater.  If you or your children come into contact with floodwater, be sure to clean skin with soap and hot water.
  • King Tides can be observed 1.5-2 hours before and after peak times.
  • Driving through floodwater is not advisable.  Do not drive through floodwater as it may be deeper than it appears, and unseen debris could cause flat tires.
  • Do not park your vehicle in low lying areas. Vehicles that have come into contact with floodwater should be checked and cleaned. 
  • Boaters should be aware that King Tides can cause lower clearance levels than normal under fixed bridges.
  • Report King Tides in your neighborhood by calling (561) 822-2185.

Resources

Unified Sea Level Rise Projection for Southeast Florida

PBC Sea Level Rise Mapping Tool

NOAA Tide Prediction

Palm Beach County's Department of Emergency Management's Flood Tips

 

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