October 2026 NEWSLETTER

If you've noticed water on low-lying streets, docks, or seawalls on a sunny day lately, you've seen a king tide. King tide season is underway in Palm Beach County, and late-September tides already pushed water onto parts of Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach. October is the month to watch: the South Florida Water Management District predicts that the highest tide of the year on our coast will arrive on October 27.

What is a king tide?

King tides are especially high tides driven by the moon's gravitational pull, which is strongest around the new and full moons. In South Florida they peak in the fall. Seasonal conditions push water levels even higher: ocean water is still warm from summer and takes up more space, and changes in the Gulf Stream can hold more water against our coast. Wind direction and ocean currents can also push tides above or below predicted levels.

King tides matter for more than beaches and docks. South Florida has about 700 miles of shoreline and more than 40 gravity-operated coastal water control structures along canals that are affected by the tide. When the tide is high, those canals can't drain to the ocean as easily. Heavy rain during a king tide can therefore cause more inland flooding than the same rain on an ordinary day.

King tides are predictable, which means we can plan for them. Each high-tide window usually lasts about three hours.

When to watch

BERR has flagged two periods this fall when high tides are expected to come within three inches of Action Stage:

• October 26–29, 2026, which includes the predicted peak tide of the year on October 27
• November 24–27, 2026

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) predicts higher-than-normal tides along the east coast during these broader windows, when tides may approach or exceed National Weather Service flood thresholds in parts of the region:

• Through October 15 (full and new moon)
• October 22 – November 12 (full and new moon)
• November 22–29 (full moon)
• December 22–27 (full moon)



The 2026 king tides are not predicted to reach flood stage. Wind, heavy rain, or a passing storm can still raise water levels above the forecast, so it pays to be ready.

Tips for king tide season

On the road

• Never drive through standing water. It's often deeper than it looks and can hide potholes or debris.
• Saltwater is especially hard on vehicles. It corrodes brakes, undercarriages, and electrical systems. If you do drive through it, rinse the underside of your car with fresh water as soon as you can.
• If you live on a low-lying street, move your car to higher ground before high tide.

Around your home

• Keep storm drains near your property clear of leaves and debris.
• If you have a backflow preventer, make sure it's working.
• Keep sandbags or barriers on hand for low entry points, garages, and sheds.
• Learn which parts of your street and neighborhood flood first, and plan alternate routes.
• Photograph any flooding on your property. Photos help with insurance claims and help your city track problem areas.

Near the water

• Avoid wading in floodwater, and keep children and pets out of it. Tidal flooding can carry bacteria, fuel, and debris.
• Boaters should check dock lines, power cords, and fuel connections, and expect less clearance under bridges.
• Watch for stronger currents and rip current advisories at the beach.

Plan ahead

• Check tide times before you head out, especially during the peak windows above. Mark October 26–29 on your calendar.
• Pay extra attention when heavy rain is forecast during a king tide window.
• Review your flood insurance. Most policies have a 30-day waiting period before coverage starts, and standard homeowners policies usually don't cover flooding.

Resources

• BERR King Tides page: county dates and flood-risk information. discover.pbc.gov/fdo/BERR/Pages/King-Tides.aspx
• SFWMD 2026 King Tide Season Forecast: regional peak dates and background. sfwmd.gov/news-events/news/2026-king-tide-season-forecast
• SFWMD Weekly Tidal Outlook: a free weekly email throughout the season that accounts for wind and ocean conditions. Sign up here and check the "King Tide Forecast" option.
• SFWMD Resilience Metrics Hub: daily king tide forecasts for local tide stations, including Lake Worth, developed with the University of Miami. sfwmd-district-resiliency-sfwmd.hub.arcgis.com
• SFWMD: 561-686-8800, or use Ask Us for questions.
• NOAA Tides & Currents: daily tide predictions. tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov
• National Weather Service Miami: coastal flood advisories. weather.gov/mfl
• FloodSmart (FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program): flood insurance basics. floodsmart.gov
• Report flooding: Report Flooding and Early Concerns

This October issue is our last monthly edition. After a short break in November and December, the newsletter will return in January 2027 on a quarterly schedule. Each quarterly issue will cover the season ahead, including weather and flood preparedness, sustainability tips, and updates on county resilience work.

The Summit will be November 4-6 at the newly expanded Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale. Register to attend: tinyurl.com/CompactSummit26

This year's Summit, hosted by Broward County in collaboration with partner counties in the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact, is built around the theme, "Capitalizing on Climate: Action Through Innovation." The Summit will emphasize the opportunity to pioneer regional solutions and spur economic growth through new technologies and leading practices. This focus highlights the spirit of determination from partners across the region to establish southeast Florida as a hub for innovative and accelerated actions core to a resilient community, environment, and economy.

Join us for an engaging three-day program that will commence with a technology-focused Innovation Day on Wednesday, Nov. 4, followed by two days of programming featuring global, national, and local leaders and experts. Click here to learn more.

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Article: Everglades scientist says restoration is improving Florida Bay | Upper Keys | keysnews.com

NFWF awarded $2.1 million in grants for coral reef restoration in Florida, Hawaiʻi, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In Florida, University of Miami and Georgia Tech researchers will test new approaches, including hydrogels for coral larvae, beneficial algae, and microbial treatments that may help corals tolerate heat.

Article: NFWF Awards $2.1 Million to Advance Next Generation of

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Most Recent Episode: Ep. 40: Green Minds: Building Healthier Homes | SSDN‘s Green Minds

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Solid Waste Authority is hosting a free open house at its Education Center in West Palm Beach on November 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tour the recycling facilities, safely drop off lithium batteries, swap plastic bags for a reusable recycling bag, and enjoy a heavy equipment expo, kids' activities, and food trucks. More information here: Public Events | Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County, FL

Community Greening Tree Plantings

Community Greening hosts ongoing volunteer tree planting events across Palm Beach County, helping restore native tree canopy in neighborhoods and natural areas. Events are free and open to all skill levels. See upcoming dates at communitygreening.org/events.

Sierra Club Loxahatchee Group

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Gumbo Limbo Nature Center Boca Raton

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