Miami City warned residents and drivers this Wednesday about the risk of temporary flooding in low-lying areas due to a new phase of king tides, which will take place from October 7 to October 13.
In a message posted on X, the municipal government urged the public to stay prepared for above-normal tide levels, avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, and keep vehicles away from areas prone to flooding.
Authorities also indicated that residents can report flooding by calling 311 or through the ISeeChange app, while advising them to stay alert for any changes in local conditions.
The official calendar of the City of Miami identifies the period from October 7 to October 13 as one of the main windows for king tides this month.
For this Wednesday, October 7, two high tides are expected, at 6:53 a.m. and 7:18 p.m. local time. The second high tide will occur in the late afternoon and evening, so drivers and residents in vulnerable areas should pay special attention to potential water accumulation.
What is a King Tide?
The term King Tide is a popular expression, not a formal scientific designation, used to describe exceptionally high tides.
The phenomenon is related to periods when the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun promotes higher amplitude spring tides. In Miami, it occurs predictably each year, mainly between September and November.
One of its most striking features is that it can cause so-called "sunny day flooding": streets, parking lots, and other areas can become temporarily inundated with water even when it is not raining.
The areas near the coast, canals, and other waterways are particularly vulnerable, although the city of Miami itself warns that low-lying sectors farther from the coast may also be affected.
Schedule of the highest tides in Miami
These are the scheduled times set by the city during the current window of actual tides, in local Miami time:
Wednesday, October 7: 6:53 a.m. and 7:18 p.m.
Thursday, October 8: 7:45 a.m. and 8:05 p.m.
Friday, October 9: 8:35 a.m. and 8:50 p.m.
Saturday, October 10: 9:21 a.m. and 9:33 p.m.
Sunday, October 11: 10:06 a.m. and 10:14 p.m.
Monday, October 12: 10:48 a.m.
Tuesday, October 13: 11:30 a.m.
What does the City of Miami recommend?
Authorities advise against walking or driving through flooded areas. The water may conceal uneven surfaces, debris, glass, and other waste, as well as contain pollutants.
It is also advised to avoid parking vehicles in areas known to flood during high tides and to keep children away from standing water.
The situation does not imply that all areas of Miami will flood. The impact can vary significantly depending on the elevation of the land, proximity to channels or the coast, and the weather and maritime conditions at any given time.
A recurring phenomenon in South Florida
This is not the first time that king tides have caused problems in the region. In October 2025, CiberCuba documented flooding in the streets, parking lots, and boat ramps of Miami during one of these episodes.
Years earlier, in 2019, Miami Beach had also warned its residents about possible flooding associated with a king tide, a phenomenon that occurs seasonally in South Florida.
The recommendation for the coming days is to check the high tide schedules and take extra precautions in low streets and parking areas, especially during the hours close to the expected peaks.
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