King tides arriving Thursday could push saltwater into streets and low-lying properties across South Florida's barrier islands, including Key Biscayne.
Miami Beach warns of possible street flooding
The City of Miami Beach warned on Wednesday that higher-than-normal tides are expected from Thursday through Sunday. The city said it may see tides high enough to cause street and property flooding in low-lying areas. Key Biscayne, a barrier island just south of Miami Beach, sits at similar low-lying elevations.
The Miami Beach Fire Department echoed the alert on Wednesday, directing residents to avoid floodwaters. City staff will monitor tidal elevations and respond to flooding reports during the period.
Key Biscayne has issued no alert yet
No equivalent alert from the Village of Key Biscayne had been issued as of Wednesday.
This is the year's second king tide period
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) identified the broader Sept. 8-15 window as the second king tide period of 2026, the Miami Herald reported in August. The district's full schedule lists six king tide windows stretching through late December, with the worst flooding expected near the Oct. 27 full moon.
What makes king tides unpredictable in severity
King tides are driven by the alignment of the sun and moon and are predictable years in advance. Their severity varies. Some produce little more than an inch of saltwater pooling in a storm drain. Others, combined with onshore winds, heavy rain or a tropical storm, have submerged parts of downtown Miami and swamped cars in Fort Lauderdale, the Herald reported.
Weather anchor flags other flooding factors
WSVN weather anchor Vivian Gonzalez noted on Wednesday that onshore winds, rain and higher seas can compound the astronomical tides and worsen coastal flooding.
@VivianGonzalez7: "King tide season is here! Higher-than-normal tides are expected in Key West Tuesday, September 8, 2026–11 and Miami Beach/Fort Lauderdale Thursday, September 10, 2026–13. King tides are astronomical, but onshore winds, rain & higher seas can worsen coastal flooding."
Village budget already prioritizes flood control
Flood control is already on Key Biscayne's radar. The village's proposed $44.5 million budget for fiscal year 2026-27 lists flood control as a spending priority alongside public safety, Islander News reported June 29.
How to report flooding in Miami Beach
Miami Beach residents can report flooding to the city's 24/7 Public Works Control Room at 305-673-7625, by email at [email protected], or through the Miami Beach Gov app.
More king tide windows are coming this fall
The SFWMD's next king tide window runs Sept. 24 through Oct. 15, followed by an Oct. 22 through Nov. 12 period that includes the season's highest predicted flooding days.
