South Florida woke up to dramatic scenes of saltwater spilling into streets and coastal neighborhoods Tuesday morning as one of the strongest king tide events of the year reached its peak.
Communities across Broward and Miami-Dade counties are dealing with coastal flooding as unusually high tides combine with persistent northeast winds, pushing ocean water farther inland than normal.
Local meteorologists described Tuesday morning’s flooding as one of the most significant king tide events measured in South Florida in years, with water levels reaching major flood stage around 10:31 a.m.
Streets fill with saltwater
Flooding has been reported in low-lying coastal areas, including communities around Fort Lauderdale, where seawater moved onto roads during the morning high tide.
The flooding is not being caused by a hurricane.
Instead, a combination of an exceptionally high astronomical tide and strong onshore winds is forcing water from the Atlantic toward the coast.
Saltwater flooding affected low-lying coastal roads across parts of South Florida.Wind gusts could reach 30 to 40 mph, helping drive additional water into vulnerable neighborhoods.
For residents accustomed to seasonal king tides, Tuesday’s water levels were particularly notable.
Drivers warned to stay out of floodwater
Authorities and meteorologists are urging residents not to drive, walk or wade through flooded streets.
Unlike ordinary rainwater flooding, much of the water covering coastal roads is saltwater, which can damage vehicles and accelerate corrosion.
CBS News Miami specifically warned drivers to avoid flooded areas because saltwater can be particularly harmful to cars.
Even shallow-looking water can hide potholes, road damage or other hazards.
More high tides are coming
Tuesday morning marked the peak of the current king tide cycle, but the flooding threat is not over.
Another high tide is expected Tuesday night, followed by additional high tides Wednesday as water levels gradually begin to decrease.
A Coastal Flood Warning, high rip-current risk and marine warnings remain in effect for parts of South Florida.
Strong winds make the situation worse
The unusually high water is being amplified by strong northeast winds blowing toward the Florida coastline.
A Wind Advisory remains in effect through Tuesday evening, with gusts of 35 mph or higher possible near coastal areas.
Those winds can push additional seawater toward shore and make drainage more difficult during high tide.
Beaches have also experienced erosion and dangerous surf conditions as the combination of wind and high tides continues.
What exactly is a king tide?
A king tide is an informal term for an exceptionally high tide that occurs when the gravitational alignment of the sun, moon and Earth produces some of the highest predictable tides of the year.
In coastal communities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, king tides can cause flooding even when there is no major storm nearby.
When strong onshore winds and rain occur at the same time, however, the effects can become significantly worse.
That is exactly what South Florida is experiencing this week.
A glimpse of South Florida’s flooding challenge
Tuesday’s flooding is another reminder of how vulnerable South Florida’s low-lying coastal communities can be to rising water.
Residents in some neighborhoods have become accustomed to seasonal flooding, but events this severe can disrupt transportation, damage vehicles and threaten homes and businesses.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve later this week as winds weaken and king tide levels decline.
The bigger picture
For now, officials are urging residents along the coast to remain alert, avoid flooded roads and prepare for another round of elevated water during the next high tide.
