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What South Florida's Spring Tide (Or King Tide) Looks Like

10th and Alton in Miami Beach
Arianna Prothero WLRN

The high tide that floods South Florida streets this time of year are known within the scientific community as a spring tide, although another popular term is king tide, which is not tied to any particular season.

A spring tide lasts several days and happens a few times a year when the moon, sun and Earth align.

The strongest astronomical tides occur between September through November. In South Florida, they’re highest in October. You can read more about the phenomenafrom our partner the Miami Herald.

The flooding is expected to last through Saturday, so don’t pack away your galoshes and gondolas yet.

Scroll down to see photos of the recent flooding in Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale and share with your out-of-state family and friends who may not understand how bad the flooding can get in South Florida.

Credit Arianna Prothero/WLRN
10th and Alton in Miami Beach.

Credit Arianna Prothero/WLRN
10th and Alton in Miami Beach.

Credit Arianna Prothero/WLRN
6th and Meridian in Miami Beach.
Credit Arianna Prothero/WLRN
6th and Meridian in Miami Beach.
Credit Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department, Broward County
Flooding in Fort Lauderdale.
Credit Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department, Broward County
The historic Stranahan House in Fort Lauderdale.
Credit Alicia Zuckerman/WLRN
10th and Alton in Miami Beach.
Credit Arianna Prothero/WLRN
Arianna Prothero's rain boots, on the sidewalk at 10th and Alton in Miami Beach.

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