The City of Miami Beach warned Wednesday, Sept. 9, that king tides could push floodwater onto low-lying streets across the barrier island. The higher-than-normal tides are expected from Thursday, Sept. 10, through Sunday, Sept. 13.

Street and property flooding is possible in low-lying areas. City staff are monitoring tidal conditions throughout the event, according to the official notice.

The Miami Beach Fire Department echoed the warning, telling residents to stay out of floodwaters and 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.

Pumps primed, crews ready

Ahead of the tides, city crews checked pump stations and valves across Miami Beach, WSVN reported.

"It can really result in compound flooding so it's important to be prepared," Amy Knowles, the city's chief resiliency officer, told WSVN.

John Norris, director of Miami Beach Public Works, said the pump stations use check valves to block tidal water from backing into streets. The stations store stormwater underground before pumping it out to the waterway.

More tides ahead

This week's cycle is the first of several expected through the fall. The broader tidal period extends through Tuesday, Sept. 15, according to WSVN. A second cycle starts Sept. 24, and meteorologists predict the highest tides of 2026 will arrive in late October. The last cycle of the year is expected Dec. 22–27.

King tides are predictable astronomical events tied to full or new moon cycles, when gravitational pull is greater. They are not caused by weather, but onshore winds, heavy rain, or nearby storms can make the flooding worse.

City weighs longer-term fixes

The Miami Beach City Commission has been considering measures to address recurring tidal flooding. A resolution sponsored by Commissioner David Suarez would reallocate 1% Resort Tax proceeds toward stormwater infrastructure in tourist areas hit hardest by king tides and heavy rain, starting in fiscal year 2027. A separate proposal from Commissioners Tanya Bhatt and Alex Fernandez would block flooded outer lanes on Alton Road between 43rd and 63rd streets during flooding events to keep passing vehicles from swamping nearby homes. Both items appeared on the commission's July 22 agenda, but neither outcome has been confirmed in public records.

Residents who need sandbags can pick up the city's new "sandless" bags, prefilled with silica gel beads that expand in water, through the city's flood awareness program.