King tide season has returned in South Florida, with flooding possible in some low-lying areas of Palm Beach as early as this weekend.
High tides will peak along the coastline from Sept. 19 to 25 thanks to a new moon, according to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. The moon will be at its darkest on Sept. 21, according to NASA. The following day is the fall equinox, when the sun will be directly over the equator, NASA officials said.
The term “king tide” refers to a particularly high tide that happens during a new or full moon, according to NOAA.
The next king tides are expected during the full and new moon phases from Oct. 3-25, around the full moon from Nov. 1-10, for a new moon from Nov. 18-20 and during the full moon from Dec. 2-7, according to NOAA forecasts.
Low-lying areas along Palm Beach’s coast, such as the Lake Trail and Bradley Park, are particularly susceptible to flooding during king tides.
High tides generally happen around morning rush hour, between 8 and 10 a.m., and after sunset, between 8 and 10 p.m., according to NOAA.
Salt water is corrosive and may damage vehicles, so people should not park cars in low-lying areas where flooding is known to happen, the National Weather Service cautioned.
Higher tides also may make it more difficult for some boats to navigate under fixed bridges.
Kristina Webb is a reporter for Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at kwebb@pbdailynews.com. Subscribe today to support our journalism.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: King tide season heats up in Palm Beach: When to expect higher tides
Reporting by Kristina Webb, Palm Beach Daily News / Palm Beach Daily News
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