Local
Fort Lauderdale warns of worsening street flooding as king tides peak
King tides, strong onshore winds and passing downpours have flooded parts of South Florida, with Fort Lauderdale warning that Tuesday’s high tide could bring the worst conditions yet. City officials say water may remain on streets until the tide falls because elevated waterways leave pumps with nowhere to send it.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Residents across South Florida faced another day of possible tidal flooding Tuesday after king tides, strong onshore winds and passing downpours left streets underwater and stranded people in parts of Fort Lauderdale a day earlier.
Fort Lauderdale officials warned Monday that Tuesday could bring the worst flooding so far, with standing water expected on roads in areas prone to tidal flooding. Some streets could become impassable near high tide, the city said.
In the River Isles neighborhood, water rose quickly as high tide approached Monday. Resident Tommy Krcmaric said he and a companion had to change their route home after taking a short walk because the water had risen within about 30 minutes.
City crews cleared storm drains and continued to monitor conditions, respond to flooding reports and address roadway safety. Officials cautioned that pumping may not help when ocean and waterway levels are already high: water entering streets through waterways, drainage systems and over seawalls may have nowhere to drain until the tide recedes.
Tuesday’s high tide was forecast for 10:21 a.m. in Fort Lauderdale and 10:07 a.m. in Miami. The city said conditions should gradually improve after the peak.
Despite flood warnings, drivers were seen moving through deep water on Monday, creating additional safety concerns on inundated roads.