The National Weather Service (NWS) in Miami raised the flood alert on Wednesday for the coastal areas of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach due to rising sea levels and the risk of streets, parking lots, and other low-lying areas becoming submerged.
The agency issued a Coastal Flood Advisory effective until 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, replacing the previous advisory that was in effect.
The measure comes in response to water levels exceeding forecasts, which increases the likelihood of moderate flooding during high tides.
According to the NWS, water accumulations could occur on streets, parks, and parking lots in coastal areas, with possible isolated road closures.
In their 4:12 p.m. update this Wednesday, meteorologists warned that the flooding on Wednesday and Thursday could exceed expected levels and worsen over the weekend.
Exceptionally high tides and heavy rains
The highest risk will occur between Friday and Monday, when the so-called King Tides—exceptionally high tides—coincide with a weather system that could bring heavy rainfall to South Florida.
The NWS forecasts accumulations of between three and six inches of rain in the metropolitan corridor of the east coast, although in the more unfavorable scenarios, totals could exceed ten inches.
The agency warned that there is still uncertainty about the system's path and the areas where the greatest amounts of rain will fall.
The coincidence of intense rainfall with high tides could hinder water drainage and worsen flooding, especially in coastal communities and low-lying areas.
Meteorologists also do not rule out that some areas of Palm Beach may reach severe flooding levels during the peak of the tide cycle.
The episode comes after the heavy rains on Saturday, October 17, when the National Weather Service reported accumulations of between 3.5 and 5.5 inches in areas of Broward and Palm Beach, where flash flood warnings were also issued.
They also warn about dangerous beaches
The NWS maintains a high risk of rip currents at the beaches of all three counties until Friday night.
In Palm Beach, a warning for dangerous surf remains in effect until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, with breaking waves ranging from five to seven feet.
Authorities recommend that residents in flood-prone areas protect their properties and prepare for potential circulation difficulties.
Drivers should avoid flooded roads and never cross barricades or drive through water of unknown depth.
At the beaches, inexperienced swimmers are advised to stay out of the water. Those who become trapped in a rip current should avoid swimming against it, stay afloat, and try to move parallel to the shore.
The National Weather Service warned that if the forecasts for intense rainfall over the weekend hold, new flood alerts could be issued for southern Florida.
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