Miami Beach residents in low-lying areas should prepare for street flooding starting Saturday as king tides push water levels above normal through Wednesday.

The city of Miami Beach posted the warning on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday, saying the higher-than-normal tides could flood streets and properties in low-lying neighborhoods. City staff will monitor tidal elevations and respond to flooding reports throughout the five-day period.

High surf and rip currents hit Atlantic coast

The National Weather Service's Miami office issued its own warning the same day, saying northerly winds and rising swells would bring high surf, increased rip current risk and hazardous boating conditions to local Atlantic waters. The NWS said coastal flooding is possible along the Atlantic coast during high tide as the king tide cycle begins.

Miami Beach Ocean Rescue flew a high-hazard flag and a dangerous marine life flag Friday, according to the city's beach conditions page.

Atlantic seas could build to 7 to 10 feet, with a high risk of rip currents in effect, WSVN meteorologist Vivian Gonzalez reported. The full moon and elevated swell could combine with king tides to produce minor coastal flooding around high tide through the weekend, WSVN reported.

Why king tides flood Miami Beach streets

NWS Miami meteorologist George Rizzuto told The Palm Beach Post that king tide water "can come up sewer drains and ends up in some lower-lying coastal streets, so you can get nuisance street flooding and flooding along the beaches as well."

Rizzuto said flooding becomes more problematic when heavy rain coincides with high tide because water is harder to drain from roads.

King tides typically last about three hours per cycle and occur during September, October and November, according to the city. They can cause "sunny day flooding," where streets and sidewalks flood even without rain. Miami-Dade County's website warns that sea level rise is making these tides more frequent, longer-lasting and more far-reaching than in the past, as USA Today reported.

City proposals, next cycle and reporting flooding

Flooding is not a new concern. Commissioner David Suarez brought a resolution before the commission at its July 22 meeting that would redirect 1% resort tax proceeds toward stormwater infrastructure in tourist areas hit hardest by king tides and heavy rain. Commissioners Tanya Bhatt and Alex Fernandez proposed a separate measure at the same meeting to block the outermost lanes on Alton Road from 43rd to 63rd streets during flooding events to keep vehicles from swamping nearby homes. The outcome of both proposals could not be confirmed from public records.

The next king tide cycle is forecast for Oct. 7-13, with the highest predicted tide Oct. 10, based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration tide tables from the Virginia Key station.

Residents can report flooding 24/7 to the Public Works Control Room at 305-673-7625, by email at [email protected] or through the Miami Beach Gov app. The city also distributes prefilled "sandless" sandbags containing silica gel beads that expand when soaked in water.