World · North America · 3 hrs ago
King tides bring flooding to U.S. coasts, with more high water forecast
King tides are bringing major flooding to both U.S. coasts as the October tides reach their peak on Tuesday and Wednesday.
They are the highest natural tides of the year, not tides caused by a storm.
They occur around a new or full moon, when the Earth, Sun and Moon align and their gravity raises water levels.
Flooding has hit roads and low-lying areas in South Florida, including West Palm Beach and areas near Lantana, where water partly submerged two cars.
King tides can flood areas even on sunny days, and drivers are urged to avoid flooded roads and never drive through standing water.
South Florida’s current tide period is expected to last through Nov.
12.
The Atlantic coast is expected to see its most extreme king tides of the year, while higher Pacific coast tides are forecast for November and December.
King tides flooded parts of the U.S. Atlantic and Pacific coasts, including roads and low-lying areas in South Florida.
The tides are natural high tides that occur when the Earth, Sun and Moon align during a new or full moon.
In Palm Beach County, floodwaters partially submerged vehicles in West Palm Beach and near Lantana.
The October tides were expected to peak Tuesday and Wednesday, with the current period in South Florida forecast to continue through Nov. 12.
Higher king tides were forecast for the Pacific coast during the November and December full moons.
- Who
- Residents and drivers in affected coastal areas, including Palm Beach County, faced flooding.
- What
- King tides flooded roads and low-lying areas on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
- When
- The October tides were peaking on Oct. 27 and Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026.
- Where
- U.S. Atlantic and Pacific coasts, including West Palm Beach and Lantana, Florida.
- Why
- King tides occur when the Earth, Sun and Moon align during a new or full moon. Winds and a warm-water wave were also contributing to flooding in coastal areas.
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King tides flooded Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach and an area near the Lantana Bridge.
West Palm Beach’s high tide was expected to peak around 10:55 a.m., with another high tide forecast for 10:59 p.m.
The October king tides were expected to peak.
The South Florida Water Management District expected the current king tide period to continue.
Higher king tides were forecast for the Pacific coast.
- West Palm Beach high tide
- Expected peak around 10:55 a.m. Tuesday
- Second West Palm Beach high tide
- Forecast for 10:59 p.m. Tuesday
- South Florida tide period
- Expected to continue through Nov. 12
- Pacific coast forecast
- Higher king tides during November and December full moons
- Flooded locations
- Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach and Ocean Boulevard near the Lantana Bridge
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What people are saying
King tides are the natural highest tides of the year, meaning they are not caused by a hurricane or tropical storm.