Stay Prepared for Upcoming King Tides

Higher than normal tides are expected from Nov. 6-9

The City of Miami Beach may experience higher than normal tides that result in street and property flooding in low-lying areas. The city is fully staffed and ready to respond to flooding reports. 

 

Higher than normal tides are expected during the following dates:

November 6-9

November 23-26


Click here to view NOAA-predicted peak tide times at the Virginia Key Tidal Gauge. Water levels can remain noticeably high for 1.5 to 2 hours before and after peak times. Peak times vary throughout Miami Beach by location and do not account for factors such as wind or rain.


While the city strives to share the most accurate and timely information available, residents and visitors should continue to monitor the National Weather Service directly for the latest forecasts, alerts and weather-related updates.


Even without rainfall, king tides can cause flooding when water levels exceed the elevation of streets, yards and other low-lying areas. Waterfront property owners should be aware that seawalls that are too low may be overtopped during high tides, increasing flood risk to private property.


When a seawall is overtopped, floodwaters can reach private property and nearby streets. To help address this risk, city ordinance requires seawalls to be raised to current elevation standards of 5.7 feet NAVD, or 4 feet NAVD if designed to support a future elevation of 5. 7 feet NAVD.



City staff monitor tidal elevations and respond to flooding reports. The Public Works Department has deployed emergency temporary pump stations in the lowest-lying neighborhoods where neighborhood improvement projects and stormwater system upgrades have yet to be completed. Stormwater pumps are inspected, adjusted and cleaned regularly.  


Visit our flood awareness webpage for helpful resources. Please continue reading for more tips to stay safe and dry.

Flooding Safety Tips



  • Text MBAlert to 888777 to receive emergency and traffic notifications via text.



  • Be sure to have a current flood insurance policy for your home or business. It is required for most properties and encouraged for all. Learn more.


  • Do not walk through floodwaters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. There may be hazards like pollutants and debris that are not visible in the water.


  • Avoid driving through floodwaters for your safety and to prevent vehicle damage. The wake from passing vehicles can also be damaging to homes and properties.


  • Never speed through floodwaters. Waves and wake from fast‑moving cars can worsen flooding on neighborhood streets and impact homes. Please slow down and help keep our community safe.


  • Wash your car thoroughly if it comes into contact with floodwaters, including the undercarriage. Floodwaters are high in salinity and could damage your vehicle.


  • Boaters are advised to travel at reduced speeds near seawalls to minimize wakes that may contribute to overtopping and flooding of waterfront properties.


  • If you come across any flooding that obstructs access or causes damage to public or private property, please report it to our 24/7 Public Works Control Room by calling 305.673.7625, using the Miami Beach Gov app or emailing flooding@miamibeachfl.gov.


  • If you notice an overtopped seawall, please report it to Code Compliance by calling 305.673.8285.


King Tides Predictions


Tide predictions are provided by the National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In addition, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has created a new tool for enhanced daily forecasts.

Low-Lying Areas


This City of Miami Beach map illustrates surface elevations (using Miami-Dade County 2021 LIDAR data). The blue color indicates the lowest-lying areas, which may experience flooding during king tides — especially when the elevation of the tide exceeds the ground surface elevation.


Depending on weather conditions, property owners in low-lying areas may need to use flood panels and other flood protection methods to protect their property. Residents can also contact the city to learn about options to reduce flood risk through the development process. Contact the Floodplain Manager at 305.673.7610 or MohsenJarahpour@miamibeachfl.gov.

Fight the Flood: Private Property Adaptation Seawall Expedite Program


The City of Miami Beach is awarding up to $20,000 in matching funds to selected applicants for seawall improvement projects.


As sea levels continue to rise, elevating private seawalls and implementing other flood protection measures can help reduce flood impacts and improve long-term resilience. Learn more about the Fight the Flood Private Property Adaptation Seawall Expedite Program; applications are now open.

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