It's king tide season. Here are the dates NOAA predicts they're likely to occur

Palm Beach Daily News Staff
·2 min read

The town of Palm Beach is alerting residents that the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting extreme high tides to peak 2.5 to 3 feet above the average lowest tide height for a number of time periods through November.

Low-lying coastal areas are susceptible to flooding from these exceptionally high tides, sometimes called king tides.

Friday morning saw flooding from king tides of up to one foot along sections of the Lake Trail, which is susceptible to high water because it's so close to the coast.

According to the South Florida Water Management District, the variation in strength and direction of the gravitational pull of the moon, especially during the new and full moon phases in the fall, contributes to king tide occurrences.

The Lake Trail experienced about a foot or more of flooding in some areas between Seaspray Ave. and the Flagler Museum as a result of King Tide Friday morning September 29, 2023. The South Florida Water Management District reported that King Tide occurs due to variation in the strength and direction of the moon's gravitational pull during new and full moon phases in the fall months.

The tidal garden at Bradley Park was built by the Garden Club of Palm Beach to help manage the effects of high tides. The garden, which opened in March 2021, features mostly native plants and a drainage system that redirects rising waters from the annual king tides.

More: Bradley Park Tidal Garden performed as planned when the king tides came

The dates king tides are likely to occur for the rest of the season are:

  • Sept. 26 - Oct. 4 (full moon)

  • Oct. 14 - Oct. 19 (new moon)

  • Oct. 24 - Nov. 2 (full moon)

  • Nov. 11 - Nov. 17 (new moon)

  • Nov. 24 - Nov. 29 (full moon)

To report a flooding in the town, submit a "Tell the Town" online form or call 561-838-5454.

What is a king tide?

The king tide is the highest predicted high tide of the year at a coastal location. It is above the highest water level reached at high tide on an average day.

When is a king tide?

King tides are a normal occurrence late August through December in coastal areas. In the United States, they are predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

What makes king tides predictable?

King tides occur when the orbits and alignment of the Earth, moon and sun combine to produce the greatest tidal effects of the year.

They are exacerbated by summer-warmed water that expands at higher temperatures, and when the moon comes especially close to Earth in its orbit, called perigee.

What do king tides show?

King tides bring unusually high water levels, and they can cause local tidal flooding. Over time, sea level rise is raising the height of tidal systems. Average daily water levels are rising along with the oceans. As a result, high tides are reaching higher and extending farther inland than in the past.

King tides preview how sea level rise will affect coastal places. As time goes by, the water level reached now during a king tide will be the water level reached at high tide on an average day

Source: Environmental Protection Agency

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: When will king tides occur? Here are the dates NOAA predicts