High tides expected to flood portions of South Florida

Tides expected to be 7 to 10 inches above average 2013 high tides

MIAMI – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Tides and Currents data predicts that the South East Florida Region will experience unusually high tides again this fall. Tides are predicted to be at their highest on Nov. 3 - 6, Nov. 15 , and Dec. 3 - 6. 

These high tide events are expected to be 7 to 10 inches above the average high tides for 2013.

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Tidal fluctuations are a natural occurrence and typically go unnoticed. However extreme tide events such as these can potentially impact drainage systems and may cause flooding in low lying areas.

Tides are influenced by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun, and therefore cycle on a daily, monthly, and seasonal basis.  Tides can also be affected by factors such as sea level and weather, particularly wind and storm surge. 

Typically, higher-than-average tides tend to occur in our region during the months of September, October and November and can be more extreme due to the factors mentioned above.  Because the region's storm water systems depend on gravity to drain excess water to the ocean, these high tides can flow back up into drainage systems along the coast and canals, flooding streets and adjacent areas.  This occurred during a similar higher-than-average tide event on October 18th (See Photo Above).  Therefore, residents are advised to use caution when traveling on any streets with standing water.

For more information on tides & currents, visit NOAA's Website.