King Tides in Fort Lauderdale

Concerned about King Tides?  Living waterfront myself in Fort Lauderdale King Tides are always a concern.  The water rises to great levels this time of year and makes waterfront properties  scary, as well as breathtaking.  FTL Connect had an informative article in their Summer/Fall 2023 issue well worth the read. It speaks to what Fort Lauderdale is doing about rising water, seawalls and it’s infrastructures.

Find the estimated dates for King Tides this year in Fort Lauderdale below:

Commission Priorities

INFRASTRUCTURE AND RESILIENCE

Seasonal high tides known as king tides have historically affected low-lying areas of Fort Lauderdale that are prone to roadway flooding. Each year, the City of Fort Lauderdale reviews the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) predicted tide elevations and prepares for the upcoming season. This year, king tides are predicted on at least 28 days.

Predicted 2023 King Tides

• August 29 – September 3 • September 26 – October 3 • October 15-17
• October 26 – November 1 • November 12-16

• November 24-28

While these dates reflect the current prediction for seasonal higher tides, greater than average tides can occur anytime of the year under varying conditions. This year, 17 high tides have already exceeded 1.3 feet North American Vertical Datum (NAVD), which is the City’s flooding threshold.

“The impacts of sea level rise, tidal flooding and extreme rainfall have strengthened our resolve to fight climate change,” Mayor Dean Trantalis said.

“We are committed to taking action through our infrastructure master plans.
A critical commission priority has long been to improve the City’s climate resiliency and infrastructure, so we protect our way of life.”

The City of Fort Lauderdale has made significant investments in infrastructure to help keep rising tidal waters off roads and away from private property.

Approximately 200 tidal valves have been installed in areas prone to flooding throughout the southeastern portion of the City. When exposed to pressure from rising tidal waters, these devices create a seal to keep saltwater outside of our stormwater system, preventing it from traveling up drains and onto the street. When rain events occur at the same time as a high tide, tidal valves remain closed and prevent immediate discharge of stormwater, which can temporarily exacerbate roadway flooding. As the tide falls, ponded stormwater should drain.

Many of Fort Lauderdale’s scenic waterways are lined with seawalls that serve a critical function to safeguard surrounding neighbors and property. The City is investing millions of dollars to raise public seawalls, including at least two projects valued at more than $4 million scheduled to begin this year. The City also needs the support of private seawall owners to prevent tidal waters from crossing their properties and into the public rights of way. In March 2023, the

Sheet pile wall installation during construction of new seawalls along Hendricks Isle.

City Commission approved an ordinance that increased the minimum top elevation for seawalls from 3.9 feet to 5 feet to comply with standards established by Broward County. Together, we can reduce safety threats and protect properties and roadways from tidal inundation.

SOURCE: FTL CONNECT SUMMER/FALL 2023