Water from king tide begins to recede in Fort Lauderdale, but more expected

Congressman tours flooded roads, says something needs to be done

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The king tide made waves Monday morning in Fort Lauderdale, turning roads into rivers and causing a hazard for drivers.

"Driving through it, ruining their cars, they have no clue that they're driving through salt water," Fort Lauderdale resident Jack Rettig said of unsuspecting drivers. "They don't know which side of the road to go on. It's terrible."

The king tide happens every year in October when the earth, moon and sun align, causing waters to rise.

U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Fla., spoke about the issue Monday morning while touring some of the hardest hit areas.

"This is a huge concern," Deutch said.

Joining the congressman were residents, local business leaders and climate change experts from Florida Atlantic University.

"We've got evidence that is persuasive," FAU professor of geosciences Dr. Colin Polsky told Local 10 News.

He pointed to his feet as an example.

"I had to change my shoes right here as we're talking," Polsky said. "This is real. My socks are getting wet."

As the waters begin to recede, residents are bracing for another round of flooding, with king tide expected to return Monday night.

Many businesses along Las Olas Boulevard had sandbags in front of their doors.

"The sea levels are rising. We have to do something about it," Deutch said. "It's time that we start acting responsibly."