WEST PALM BEACH, FLA (November 6, 2020) – King Tides are expected to return to West Palm Beach November 13-18, 2020. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that South Floridians should expect higher than normal tides in mid-November. King Tides may cause ponding or flooding in coastal neighborhoods. Also known as Perigean Spring Tides, King Tides occur when the gravitational forces from the moon produce the greatest tidal effect. A seasonal event, they occur a few times each year.
The City of West Palm Beach Office of Sustainability offers these King Tides safety tips:
- Floodwater may contain unseen hazards such as trash, pollutants, broken glass or other debris that has been picked up from the area. Do not enter floodwater, and do not allow children to play in floodwater. If you or your children come into contact with floodwater, be sure to clean skin with soap and hot water.
- Do not drive through floodwater, as it may be deeper than it appears.
- Do not park your vehicle in low-lying areas. Vehicles that have come into contact with floodwater should be checked and cleaned.
- Boaters should be aware that King Tides can cause lower than normal clearance levels under fixed bridges.
To report King Tides in your neighborhood, call the City of West Palm Beach Department of Public Utilities at (561) 822-2185 (TTY: 800 955-8771).
To contact the City of West Palm Beach Office of Sustainability, please dial (561) 804-4994 (TTY 800-955-8771) or email sustainability@wpb.org. For information about the Office of Sustainability, please visit: https://www.wpb.org/government/sustainability.
