The phenomenon known as "King Tides" is currently causing flooding in various areas of Miami, including boat ramps, parking lots, and coastal residential neighborhoods, even on sunny days. Social media has been buzzing with videos showing the water levels completely submerging the Matheson Hammock boat ramp, which was found to be under more than 35 inches of water. "Today is worse. King Tides are wreaking havoc on Miami's boat ramps," posted Instagram user luxuryribtenders, warning drivers about the risks of coming into contact with the saltwater.
King Tides are natural events that occur annually from September through December, reaching extraordinary heights and causing temporary flooding in low-lying, coastal, or canal-adjacent areas. These tides typically last about three hours, spanning from an hour and a half before to an hour and a half after the peak.
Local authorities have issued warnings and reminders for residents:
- Avoid walking or driving on flooded streets.
- Do not allow children to play in the accumulated water.
- Wash any part of the body that has been in contact with floodwaters using hot water and soap.
- Avoid parking vehicles in low-lying areas.
- Boat owners should take care with low bridges due to rising sea levels.
The most critical days in October include the period from October 5 to October 12, and again from October 19 to 23. On October 7, the tide is expected to reach its peak at 9:43 a.m. and 9:54 p.m., so precautions are advised during these times. Residents of the most affected areas can report local situations through platforms like ISeeChange, a community monitoring tool for real-time climate change effects.
Authorities urge the public to stay informed and act responsibly to avoid incidents during this natural event, which will continue to impact South Florida in the coming weeks.
King Tides and Hurricane Season: A Dangerous Combination
The King Tides have been a recurring concern in South Florida, especially from September to November when they coincide with the Atlantic hurricane season. The overlap of these two phenomena can significantly worsen the effects of coastal flooding.
In 2022, a tragic incident occurred when a boat carrying Cuban migrants capsized near the Florida Keys during adverse maritime conditions linked to Hurricane Ian's arrival, compounded by a rising King Tide. The U.S. Coast Guard had to launch extensive search operations to locate the missing migrants, highlighting the deadly dangers of navigating or being near the sea during these combined events.
In previous years, reports have warned about the impact of King Tides on Miami Beach and other areas of Miami-Dade County. Streets like Alton Road and parts of downtown Miami experienced significant flooding even on sunny days due to sea level rise and the temporary collapse of the drainage system.
Local officials have reiterated that these floods are not due to rain but are caused by the sea pushing inland, which can worsen if they coincide with tropical storms or hurricanes. Residents are advised to pay attention not only to the weather forecast but also to the King Tide calendar, as the combination of these factors can have severe consequences.
Understanding the Impact of King Tides and Flooding in Miami
What are King Tides?
King Tides are naturally occurring high tides that reach extraordinary heights, causing temporary flooding in low-lying and coastal areas, typically between September and December.
Why is Miami affected by King Tides?
Miami is particularly vulnerable to King Tides due to its low elevation and proximity to the coast, which makes it susceptible to flooding even without rain, as sea levels rise temporarily.
How can residents protect themselves during King Tides?
Residents should avoid flooded areas, refrain from allowing children to play in floodwaters, and ensure that any contact with the water is thoroughly cleaned with soap and hot water. It's also wise to avoid parking in low-lying zones and to be cautious near low bridges.