King Tides and High Tides in Our Community

With seven miles of shoreline; 300 miles of waterway coastline; a flat topography; and shallow, porous aquifer, Fort Lauderdale is vulnerable to the effects of climate change and sea level rise. Flooding in low-lying areas is more likely when the close proximity of the moon, higher than average tides called king tides, rising sea levels, and inclement weather conditions combine to exacerbate flooding risks. Rainfall and wind strength and direction can have a significant impact on the height of the tides causing them to come in higher or lower than predicted. Also note that high water tables (groundwater level) due to rain events can raise the probability of localized flooding. 

Predicted 2024 King Tides  

Each year, the City of Fort Lauderdale reviews the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) predicted tide elevations. This year, king tides are predicted on at least 33 days. While these dates reflect the current prediction for seasonal higher tides, greater than average tides can occur anytime of the year under varying conditions.

• September 16-23
• October 14-22
• October 30 - November 3
• November 12-19
• December 13-15

Since higher tides are possible on both the new moon and the full moon, the following are additional dates to watch where tides may have the potential to cause inundation on low-lying roads:

Spring Tides

• January 12
• March 10-12
• April 7-10
• May 6-9

Summer Tides

• August 18-25

Fall Tides 

• October 2-7

While some roadway flooding is expected, please report impassable roads to our Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000. For additional information on king tides, read a message from Mayor Dean J. Trantalis related to the 2023 season.

To Learn More, Listen to This King Tide Virtual Town Hall Meeting

In this recording of a virtual town hall meeting held on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, Dr. Nancy Gassman, Assistant Director of the City's Public Works Department, shares a brief presentation on observations related to the September 2020 king tides event as well as City response efforts and long-term adaptation strategies to minimize flooding and create a stronger and more resilient community.  A brief question and answer session follows the presentation.

What the City is Doing to Prepare

The City is actively planning for high tides and king tides in the short term and sea level rise in the long term. Action to support a more resilient community has been a Commission Top Priority since 2020. We are actively investing in elevating seawalls, installing tidal valves, implementing the Stormwater Master Plan, and adopting more sustainable and resilient policies.

The following lists provide an overview of steps the City takes to mitigate localized flooding.   

City Steps to Address High Tides and King Tides

• Conduct inspections and cleaning of the nearly 200 tidal valves already installed throughout the City to confirm they are operating properly and mitigating tidal flooding as expected 
• Inspect and clean storm drains and catch basins to remove any blockages to facilitate drainage and minimize water accumulation
• Monitor pump stations to ensure the stormwater system is operating efficiently
• Monitor vulnerable locations to actively respond to flooding concerns
• Coordinate investigations into reported flooding through the Customer Service Center
• Expedite tidal valve installation, when possible, to prevent tidal water from backing up in the storm drain system and flooding City streets
• Bury seaweed in the sand to stabilize the beach up to a certain threshold of wave impact
• Place “No Wake” signs on roadways to encourage drivers to proceed slowly through neighborhoods to reduce damage to private property
• Place barricades and lane delineators near waterways to protect swales and prevent vehicles from driving off the road into the adjacent waterway
• Implementing the Seawall Master Plan, elevating City-owned seawalls near critical transportation corridors
• Monitor a City-installed tide gauge on the New River to get accurate local tide measurement to make more informed decisions
• Disseminate information through a variety of outreach methods to advise neighbors of high tides and appropriate safety precautions to protect life and property
• In the event of significant flooding, use in-house and contract vacuum trucks to remove ponding water at low tide to keep roadways safe and drivable
• Reach out to local government agencies to raise awareness of flooding on State and County roads that are located in Fort Lauderdale, but out of the City's jurisdiction
• Implement temporary road closures on flooded streets as a precautionary safety measure
• Cite property owners whose seawalls are contributing to roadway tidal flooding
• Require that new seawalls be built to a minimum elevation that reduces impacts from high tides now and into the future
• Gather information on locations experiencing tidal flooding and work to implement solutions to reduce impacts in the following annual tide cycle

City Steps to Address Sea-Level Rise

• Included measures to address sea-level rise in the citywide Vision Plan, Five-Year Strategic Plan, and Commission Annual Action Plan
• Annually designated locations vulnerable to coastal flooding as Adaption Action Area and prioritize funding for projects in the five-year Community Investment Plan
• Identified key issues and implement citywide strategies to build community resilience
• Implementing the 2018 stormwater master plan with $200 million to be invested in seven (7) key neighborhoods
• Continued support of the Community Rating System which results in discounts on residents' flood insurance premiums  
• Implemented pilot projects such as constructing an earthen berm on the south side of Las Olas Boulevard to reduce tidal flooding
• Increased staffing positions in floodplain management and Stormwater Operations to coordinate resources and implement long-term initiatives to minimize our vulnerability to flooding and strengthen our community 
• Adopted new Flood Insurance Rate Maps and updated the floodplain ordinance to establish higher regulatory standards for future development to minimize vulnerability to flooding
• Adopted an upgraded Comprehensive Plan, including a dedicated Climate Change Element, with a focus on sustainability and resilience
• Amended the seawall ordinance to set a minimum top elevation of 5 feet in an effort to protect properties and minimize flooding caused by breached seawalls
• Installing a blend of permeable pavers, bioswales, and exfiltration trenches to maximize water retention and the capacity of the storm drain system to minimize localized flooding
• Created an Infrastructure Task Force Advisory Committee to help prioritize City infrastructure needs and recommend funding methods 
• Raised electrical panel boxes for sanitary sewer pump stations to maintain the infrastructure above tidal flood levels and prevent power outages
• Incorporated sea-level rise as planning criteria for all infrastructure master plans and improvements
• Worked with Broward County to renourish the beach to mitigate wave impacts
• Participated in the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact and Broward Resilience Roundtable to engage in a regional approach to foster sustainability and climate resilience by implementing mitigation and adaptation initiatives
• Sought and maintained partnerships with agencies such as Florida Department of Transportation, Broward County, and the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to implement innovative solutions such as the rebuilding of A1A following the impacts of Tropical Storm Sandy

How Neighbors Can Prepare 

Neighbors are advised to be vigilant during high tides and king tides. Please take the time to be aware of the anticipated king tide dates, review important safety tips, evaluate your property's readiness, and review your flood insurance policy. 

During high tides, neighbors are reminded to closely monitor their waste carts, and to remove them from the street as quickly as possible after they are emptied. If your street floods, you may want to store your sanitation carts in a safe and secure location until your next regularly scheduled collection day. View the sanitation service tips page for more information. 

Property Protection

Precautions you can take to protect your property from damage and reduce financial losses include:

• Purchase flood insurance
• Address property drainage concerns which may include regrading your lot (permit may be required)
• Construct barriers, such as a floodwall to stop floodwater from entering the building
• Relocate electrical panel boxes, air conditioners, water heaters, and washers and dryers to elevated locations
• Install check valves in private drainage systems to prevent floodwater from backing up into private properties
• Install storm shutters, impact windows, and a reinforced garage door for wind and rain events

The City responds to flood protection inquiries. If you have a question regarding flood, sewer or drainage problems, contact the City of Fort Lauderdale Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000.

How Neighbors Can Stay Safe

• Avoid walking through flood waters, it is dangerous and can be a health hazard                                
• Avoid driving through flooded areas, turn around and find another way; in addition to being a threat to life safety, the salt water can lead to both short and long-term damage to your vehicle
• Follow posted road closure and detour signs
• Do not drive around barriers, damaging private lawns
• If you drive through flooded areas, please note that creating waves can cause additional damage to surrounding landscaping and property
• Be careful around manhole covers, as they can become dislodged by the high tides  
• Boaters are advised that high tides cause lower clearance under fixed bridges, check the tides before leaving the dock

Review additional information about flood insurance rate maps, coastal high hazard areas, property flood depths, natural conservation areas and wetlands, flood insurance, and floodplain management regulations.

Click here to request a Flood Risk Information Letter for your property. 

What is a Tide?

The word “tide” is a generic term used to define the rise and fall of sea level with respect to land. Tides are influenced by the gravitational attraction of the moon and sun. In addition, tides are affected by other factors such as: coastline configuration, local water depth, wind, the speed of local currents, and weather conditions. Twice a day, tides peak to a high and low water level, commonly referred to as “high tide” and “low tide.” Typically, the City of Fort Lauderdale experiences its highest tides during the months of September, October, and November.

Knowledge of the tide times and predicted heights are important to various applications such as: emergency preparedness; maritime navigation; the construction of bridges, docks, and seawalls; and the operation of wastewater and storm water collection systems. Tide information is indispensable to the fishing, boating, surfing, and other water-related industries. Currently, this information is critical to understanding flooding which impacts the City during weather events, particularly in low-lying areas.

Tide Predictions

Tide predictions are generated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and can differ from the observed sea level that occurs. Predicted tidal heights are those expected during average weather and oceanic conditions. When weather conditions differ from what is considered average, water levels can be significantly altered. Generally, prolonged onshore winds (wind towards the land) or low barometric pressure can produce higher sea levels than predicted, while offshore winds (wind away from the land) and high barometric pressure can result in lower sea levels than predicted.

Know Your Flood Zone

• Knowing the flood zone for your property can help you better understand your vulnerability to flooding. To determine the flood zone for your property, use the GIS Application on the City website, complete the “Flood Zone Request” form on the City website, or call the City’s floodplain manager, Richard Benton at 954-828-6133.

Insure Your Property

• Homeowner and renter insurance policies usually do not cover flood damage. The City of Fort Lauderdale encourages neighbors who rent or own property in a Special Flood Hazard Area to purchase flood insurance to protect their home and possessions against loss from flood damage.
  

Build Responsibly

• Prior to starting any construction, residents or builders should contact the City’s Development Services Department at 954-828-6520 to ask about required permits.
• State law prohibits dumping anything into the storm drain system and unauthorized obstructions or alterations of the drainage features. Residents should report illegal dumping into the stormwater    system or clogged storm drains by calling the City of Fort Lauderdale Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000.

Flood Safety

Flood insurance will help recover losses from flood damage, but additional precautionary measures can be taken to minimize those losses and protect yourself, your family and your property.

Before a Flood

• Make sure you are covered. Ask your insurance agent about the NFIP and flood insurance.
• Prepare a family disaster plan and a disaster supply kit. 
• Know the City’s flood warning procedures and local evacuation routes.
• Know how to turn off your utilities. Contact your local utility company now if you are not sure how to do so.
• Bring outdoor belongings in and move your valuable possessions to higher ground.
• Keep materials such as sandbags, plastic or burlap bags, plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber and shovels handy for emergency waterproofing.

During a Flood

• Use a battery-operated NOAA weather radio to monitor emergency information.
• Fill containers with clean water in case drinking water becomes contaminated.
• If instructed to do so by local authorities, turn off all utilities at the main power switch, close the main gas valve, and shut off propane tanks.
• If instructed to evacuate by authorities, do so immediately. Follow evacuation routes.
• Do not walk or swim in floodwaters. If you must walk in standing water, use a pole or stick to check water depths and probe for unseen hazards.
• Do not drive through a flooded area; turn around and find another way. Never drive around roadblocks.
• Avoid power lines and electrical wires. Electrical current can travel through water.

After a Flood

• Report downed power lines to FPL at 800-4-OUTAGE, use the LauderServ app, or call the City of Fort Lauderdale's Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000.
• If an evacuation order was issued, do not return home until authorities announce it is safe to do so.
• Use caution when entering buildings. If your property was flooded, inspect it for damages.
• Check for gas leaks. Do not smoke or use candles unless you know the gas has been turned off.
• Do not use wet appliances. Appliances can keep a charge even after unplugged. 
• Take pictures of damage to your home and belongings for insurance claims.
• Be patient. In most situations, the water ponded on the roadways will dissipate without intervention within 24 hours.

Useful Resources 

The City website provides detailed information about flooding including flood zones, mitigation, safety, and protection measures. The site includes links to useful guides, maps, and resources from the City, Broward County, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and other organizations.

Neighbors may visit the following links for additional information:

• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• Request a Property Flood Zone Determination Letter
• Tide Table
• NOAA Tides & Currents

Neighbors may contact the City’s Neighbor Service Center at 954-828-8000 with questions or concerns or to report incidents of flooding. Customer Service may also be reached via LauderServ, the City’s mobile application.