The so-called "King Tides" are causing flooding in various areas of Miami, including boat ramps, parking lots, and residential areas near the coast, even on sunny days.
On social media, users have shared videos showing the water level completely covering the boat ramp at Matheson Hammock, which was submerged under more than 90 centimeters of water.
"Today is worse. King Tides are wreaking havoc on boat ramps in Miami," wrote user luxuryribtenders on Instagram, warning drivers about the dangers of contact with saltwater.
The spring tides are natural phenomena that occur annually between September and December, reaching extraordinary heights and causing temporary flooding in low-lying areas, coastal regions, or near canals.
These tides can last about three hours, extending from one and a half hours before to one and a half hours after the peak.
The local government has issued warnings and reminders to the public:
- Avoid walking or driving on flooded streets.
- Do not allow children to play in accumulated water.
- Wash with hot water and soap any part of the body that has come into contact with flood water.
- Avoid parking vehicles in low-lying areas.
- Boat owners should exercise caution with low bridges due to rising sea levels.
The most critical days in October include the period from October 5 to 12, and again between October 19 and 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 those timeframes.
Residents of the most affected areas can report local situations through platforms like ISeeChange, a community monitoring tool that tracks the real-time effects of climate change.
Authorities urge everyone to stay informed and act responsibly to prevent incidents during this natural phenomenon, which will continue to impact southern Florida in the coming weeks.
Tidal Waves and Hurricane Season, a Dangerous Combination
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 exacerbate the effects of coastal flooding.
In 2022, there was a report of the wreck of a boat with Cuban rafters near the Florida Keys during adverse maritime conditions associated with the onset of Hurricane Ian, 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 warned about the impact of king tides in Miami Beach and other areas of Miami-Dade County. Streets like Alton Road and parts of downtown Miami have experienced significant flooding even on sunny days, due to rising sea levels and the temporary collapse of the drainage system.
Local authorities have reiterated that these floods are not caused by rain, but rather by the force of the sea pushing inland, which could worsen if coinciding with tropical storms or hurricanes.
In this regard, residents should pay attention not only to the weather forecast but also to the maximum tide schedule, as the combination of these two factors can have serious consequences.
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