City Of West Palm Beach Anticipates King Tide Effects

From City of West Palm Beach:

October 9, 2020

According to weather experts, King Tides are predicted to return this season to the City of West Palm Beach. This higher-than-normal tide occurs on an annual basis, generally in the fall.

What is a King Tide?

According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website, a King Tide is a non-scientific term often used to describe exceptionally high tides. Tides are extended waves that roll around the planet as the ocean is “pulled” back and forth. This motion is caused by the gravitational forces of the moon and the sun as they interact with the Earth in their monthly and yearly orbits. Tides are usually higher than average when the moon is new, full, or at its perigee, or during specific seasons depending on the geographical area.

When are King Tides Expected?

A tide gauge based at the Lake Worth Beach Pier helps NOAA issue its tide projections. Based on these predictions, King Tides are expected to occur in our City on the following dates:

• October 14-21, 2020
• November 13-18, 2020

Where Should I Expect King Tide Flooding?

King Tides may cause flooding/ponding on streets or areas near waterways.

Preparing for King Tides

Stay safe during King Tides by following the following safety precautions:

• Do not walk through floodwaters.
• Avoid driving through floods if possible.
• During King Tide events, closely monitor your waste carts and recycling bins. Remove them from the curb as soon as possible after they are emptied.
• Help keep storm drains clear.

Tidal flood valve installation projects are scheduled for more than a dozen neighborhood areas where tidal flooding has occurred. These projects are expected to be completed by 2021. These valves allow stormwater to drain out and prevent ocean water, or water from the Intracoastal, from backing up into the stormwater pipe network. These valve installations are an infrastructure pilot project the City will monitor and assess for effectiveness.

The City of West Palm Beach continues to upgrade its stormwater infrastructure system to address sea-level rise, extreme rain events and aging infrastructure. The City is planning to invest more than $20 million in stormwater and drainage projects within the next three years. In addition to undertaking flooding mitigation construction projects, City crews routinely monitor the stormwater system to prevent or mitigate flooding.

For an interactive tour of the City’s Engineering Capital Improvement Projects to address rising sea levels and other infrastructure, please visit the City of West Palm Beach Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Portal. To contact the City of West Palm Beach, please dial (561) 822-1200 (TTY: 800 955-8771). For information about the City of West Palm Beach, please visit the City of West Palm Beach website.

This press release was produced by the City of West Palm Beach. The views expressed are the author's own.