How King Tides Contribute to Coastal Flooding: A Growing Concern
Key Summary:
- King tides occur when the gravitational pull of the sun and moon creates exceptionally high tides, leading to coastal flooding risks.
- In Florida, king tides happen from September to November, with occasional occurrences in December.
- The risk of flooding is exacerbated by rising sea levels due to global warming, making king tides more intense.
- Warmer temperatures and stronger storms also contribute to the severity of flooding during king tide events.
- Homeowners should take preventive measures like floodproofing, elevating utilities, and installing barriers to protect their homes from king tide flooding.
Introduction
Coastal regions known for their warm, sunny weather and proximity to picturesque beaches are attractive places to live. This is why so many people from all areas of the U.S. flock to places like Florida to keep a winter home or live full time. While coastal regions offer excellent weather and breathtaking ocean views, they also come with a higher risk of flooding due to tropical storms, hurricanes, and high tides.
Tides are naturally occurring phenomena in which the gravitational pull of the moon and sun cause the ocean water to regularly rise and fall. They typically occur twice a day and they are usually not a cause for concern. King tides on the other hand are tides that are much higher than normal tides because they occur when the gravitational pull on the ocean is the strongest. These tides are large enough to cause coastal flooding, even without rain.
The coastal regions of Florida are especially vulnerable to the effects of king tides because of the low topography. The effects of global warming are also causing king tides to get even bigger as the melting polar ice caps contribute to rising sea levels. Those who live in the coastal regions of Florida should be aware of when king tides are likely to happen and take steps to protect their home from the possibility of coastal flooding.
In this guide, we explain what king tides are and how they occur, as well as the effects they can have in the coastal regions of Florida which makes them a cause for concern.
What are King Tides?
Tides occur when the gravitational pull of the moon causes bulges in the ocean water on the side of the Earth closest to the moon. High tides occur when the Earth’s rotation causes landmasses to pass through these bulges, and low tides occur when landmasses pass through the low points created by the bulging water.
King tides are the highest seasonal tides of the year as they occur during the times of year when the Earth, sun, and moon align, and the gravitational pull on the ocean is at its strongest. These tides are generally 1-2 feet higher than normal tides and increase the risk of coastal flooding, including on days with no rain.
When Do King Tides Occur?
King tides occur in a particular region when the moon is at its perigee (closest point to Earth) and the Earth is at its perihelion (closet point to the sun). The time of year these tides occur differs between regions as this alignment of the Earth, sun, and moon happens during different seasons throughout the world. In the state of Florida, king tides occur between the months of September through November and can sometimes also occur in December.
Those who live in the coastal regions of Florida must be prepared for the possibility of coastal flooding from king tides during these months.
Why are King Tides a Cause for Concern?
King tides are a cause for concern because they are much higher than regular tides and therefore more likely to cause coastal flooding. The flooding caused by king tides can occur on otherwise calm, sunny days in areas that have not had a drop of rain. Conditions such as water temperature, rainfall, storms, wind, and variations in ocean currents can affect the timing as well as the severity of flooding caused by king tides. They can also cause what are known as sneaker waves, or waves that rapidly reach the shore unexpectedly.
Coastal communities throughout the state of Florida are at constant risk of flooding from king tides that can cause considerable property damage.
Effects of Global Warming
While the effects of king tides have always been concerning, the impact of global warming creates an ongoing concern as these tides are likely to intensify. Florida is already vulnerable to coastal flooding because of the low-lying topography, and the rising sea levels due to the melting ice caps only increase the risk of flooding. In some areas of Florida, the sea level is over two feet higher than normal during the fall season which results in even higher king tides and more tidal flooding events. This is expected to get worse as the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Compact expects sea levels to rise between 10 and 17 inches by 2040.
Another way global warming may impact king tides is with more intense storms. The higher sea levels and warmer water temperatures are causing more severe tropical storms and hurricanes with heavier rain and stronger winds. A king tide event that happens during these more intense storms will increase the severity of the flooding.
How to Protect Your Home from Coastal Flooding
With warmer water temperatures and rising sea levels resulting in higher king tides and an increased risk of coastal flooding, it is very important for those who live in coastal areas to take the steps necessary to protect their homes from flooding.
The following tips will help you keep your home protected and limit the damage from coastal floods:
- Floodproof your home: Use waterproof coatings and membranes to seal your walls and foundation and fill cracks and openings in the concrete and masonry with caulk or hydraulic cement. Removable flood panels can be used to cover windows and vents.
- Install flood barriers: Temporary flood barriers including sandbags, flood skirts, inflatable floodwalls, and portable flood gates can be placed around your home to block flooding. Flood doors that can withstand water pressure can be used to replace your outside doors.
- Install flood vents: Flood vents installed on your foundation help prevent structural damage by allowing floodwater to flow in and out.
- Elevate appliances and utilities: Make sure utilities like air conditioners, water meters, and heat pumps are at least one foot above the expected flood level. You should also consider moving major appliances to an upper floor of the home.
- Install a sump pump: Sump pumps can help pump excess groundwater away from your home. Make sure to have a backup battery in case of a power outage.
- Gutters and landscaping: Remove debris from gutters and downspouts so rainwater can effectively drain away from your home. Also, make sure the landscape around your home slopes away from the foundation and raise sunken areas to prevent the water from pooling.
Related Read: What is FEMA’s High Water Mark Initiative and How Does it Help Protect Your Property from Flooding?
Professional Flood Damage Restoration
Living in coastal regions like Florida comes with the beauty of ocean views and sunny weather, but also the responsibility of preparing for natural phenomena like king tides. These exceptionally high tides, intensified by global warming, present a significant risk of flooding and property damage for coastal communities. By understanding the causes and effects of king tides and taking proactive steps to floodproof your home, you can minimize potential damage and safeguard your property. With rising sea levels and the increasing intensity of storms, preparation is key to living safely and comfortably in these vulnerable yet stunning areas.
If your home or business is affected by flooding from king tides or severe storms, it is important to address the damage immediately. Flood water will continue to spread through the porous materials of your property and increase the risk of severe structural damage and mold growth. Calling restoration professionals right away for flood damage cleanup will help limit the spread of the water and prevent more severe damage. These professionals use advanced equipment to contain and remove the flood water and they will also thoroughly dry, clean, and restore the affected areas to return your property to its pre-flood state.