King tides might cause more flooding in Fort Lauderdale. Here’s what you need to know
South Florida could soon see more flooding after last week’s historic rainfall — but it’s not because another big storm is expected to pound the region, according to authorities.
More than 2 feet of rain drenched Fort Lauderdale on April 12, a record rainfall over a 24-hour period, shutting down the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport until Friday. On Monday, storms pummeled the city, causing authorities to once again ground flights at the airport for nearly three hours.
From Tuesday to Saturday, more flooding is possible at Fort Lauderdale’s low-lying areas as higher tides are forecast at the state’s Atlantic coastline, the city alerted in a news release Monday. As of Wednesday morning, there is no flooding impacting homes or impeding traffic flow while 17 pump trucks continue dealing with minor flooding — a remnant from last week’s deluge.
Here’s what you need to know about king tides and their potential effects on the region.
READ MORE: Fort Lauderdale airport resumes flights as flood recovery begins
What is a king tide?
A king tide is a non-scientific term people often use to describe exceptionally high tides that typically occur during a new or full moon or during specific seasons around the country, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The next new moon is April 20.
READ MORE: A freak storm, but also the future? Fort Lauderdale airport’s flooding mess
How much coastal flooding is expected?
Florida’s eastern coastline is unlikely to experience coastal flooding based primarily on tides this spring, according to NOAA. The agency is forecasting this week’s king tide at South Port Everglades to range from 2.83 to 3.12 feet.
“We are going to see elevated tides starting tomorrow morning across the Atlantic coast,” Nick Carr, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Miami, told the Miami Herald on Monday night. “Fortunately, this batch of king tides is not super high, so we don’t expect major issues other than some low-lying spots very close to the water line.”
READ MORE: Chest-high water, boat rescues after ‘unprecedented’ rainfall in Fort Lauderdale area
How to report flooding?
The city of Fort Lauderdale recommends motorists to never drive through high water. To report impassible roads, call the city at 954-828-8000.
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When are high tides forecast?
According to the city of Fort Lauderdale, king tide is forecast in South Florida on the following dates and times:
▪ April 18 at 7:35 a.m. and 8:11 p.m.
▪ April 19 at 8:23 a.m. and 8:59 p.m.
▪ April 20 at 9:08 a.m. and 9:44 p.m.
▪ April 21 at 9:51 a.m. and 10:28 p.m.
▪ April 22 at 10:34 a.m. and 11:11 p.m.
This story was originally published April 17, 2023 at 9:36 PM.
