King Tides

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) partnered with the University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science in 2022 to create a dashboard with an Enhanced Tidal Outlook Weekly Forecast. This tool is designed to be used within the week, as it shows the observed tidal prediction 10 days out from the current date. To check the daily highest water levels, select the date and the ‘Virginia Key’ tide gauge to get the most accurate reading for Miami Beach. This tool can be helpful to those looking to visualize the forecasted tides.  

City staff monitors the tidal levels to respond to areas of flooding and to help keep residents and businesses informed. Emergency temporary pump stations are deployed in the lowest lying neighborhoods where neighborhood improvement projects and stormwater system upgrades have yet to been completed.  

For more information on how the City prepares, visit our Flood Awareness page. 

NOAA denotes peak tide times when the tidal gauges read high tide which occur twice a day. Water levels can remain noticeable high for 1.5 to 2 hours before and after peak times. 

Avoid flood waters and report flooding to the Public Works Control Room at 305.673.7625 or flooding@miamibeachfl.gov 

Miami Beach is particularly vulnerable during these months due to compound flooding. Compound flooding happens when two or more rain events occur simultaneously or in close succession to create more severe flooding. This includes but is not limited to heavy rainfall, high tides, offshore winds, sea level rise, storm surge, and tropical cyclones. King Tides provide a preview of the normal tidal variations we will see in the years to come as sea levels continue to rise. 

• Register for the King Tide Parking Relief Program to obtain FREE temporary parking accommodations during King Tides and other weather events. See if your area falls within the prescribed flood zone areas: Flood Zone Map. The designated parking garages include the G6 garage located at 400 W 42nd Street, the G9 garage located at 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue and G1 garage located at 200 7th Street. Road closures may occur as a result of flooding. Sign up for our traffic updates by texting MBTraffic to 888777. 

• Protect your home or business with flood insurance. Damage from flooding is not typically covered by homeowners' insurance or under a standard commercial insurance policy.  Learn more: Flood Insurance  

• Flood water can be contaminated with sewage or other pollutants. There could also be hazards below the surface, like debris or downed power lines, that you cannot see. Avoid any flood water as six inches of fast-flowing water can knock you off your feet. 

• Avoid driving through flood waters. It takes less than a meter of water to float a car. 

• Wash your car, including the undercarriage, if it came in contact with flood waters. Flood waters are high in salinity and could damage your vehicle. 

• Remember, flooding brings standing water. Check around your personal property - if you see standing water for more than 48 hours, report it to the Public Works Control Room by calling 305.673.7625. Protect yourself from mosquito bites and the diseases they may carry ; always drain and cover! 

• If you come across any flooding that obstructs access or causes damage on public or private property, please report it through the Miami Beach Gov app. 

• Properties in low-lying areas are strongly encouraged to use flood protection methods. The City’s Private Property Adaptation Program provides technical and financial assistance up to $20,000 for flood‑mitigation improvements on private property. View potential considerations here: Private Property Adaptation | Miami Beach - Rising Above  

• If you are a boater, be aware that these high tides cause lower clearances under fixed bridges, so check the tides before leaving the dock. 

• Boaters are advised to navigate at reduced speeds near seawalls to minimize wakes that may contribute to overtopping and flooding of waterfront properties. 

• If your landscape encounters saltwater flooding, make sure the area is rinsed off and/or rained on thoroughly. Avoid using fertilizers or pesticides from May 15 to November 1 during Florida’s rainy season to prevent polluting Biscayne Bay. 

King Tides are known as 'perigean spring tides' by scientists. To better understand King Tides, first you have to know that the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun causes tides. Tides are long-period waves that roll around the planet as the ocean is 'pulled' back and forth by the moon and the sun as they interact with the Earth in their monthly and yearly orbits. While both the moon and the sun influence tides, the moon plays a much larger role because it is much closer to Earth. The moon's gravitational pull is about twice as strong as that of the sun.  

The relative distances and positions of the sun, moon and Earth all affect the size and magnitude of the Earth’s two tidal bulges. On a smaller scale, the magnitude of tides can be influenced by the shape of the shoreline and the Gulf Stream current. According to NOAA Ocean Service Education, local wind and weather patterns can also affect tides. King Tides can reach over 12 inches above the average high tide for the year.

perigean/spring tide graphic NOAA