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Hollywood crews deploy flood barriers as South Florida king tides peak
Hollywood crews placed temporary barriers along the beach boardwalk and businesses added sandbags as high tides threatened coastal streets and storefronts. Flooding reached parts of Fort Lauderdale Beach on Friday, while rain and gusty winds could worsen conditions through the weekend.
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — As king tides reached their seasonal peak Saturday, city crews placed water-filled barriers along Hollywood Beach’s boardwalk and nearby businesses stacked sandbags outside storefronts to guard against rising water.
High tide at Hollywood Beach was expected between 8:30 and 9 a.m. Saturday, with coastal roads and neighborhood streets at risk of flooding. Rain and gusty winds could compound the effects of the unusually high tides, which can push water onto low-lying land.
The barriers, known as a tiger dam system, are intended to reduce flooding along the boardwalk. They cannot eliminate the risk to surrounding streets and low-lying neighborhoods.
Flooding was reported on Fort Lauderdale Beach on Friday. Water collected on roadways before receding, without causing major traffic problems, according to the report.
Some Hollywood residents said recurring high tides are familiar. Andy Hoffman, who lives farther inland, said he has seen the flooding over many years and recalled that high tides combined with easterly winds can make conditions severe.
Another resident, Brady McFarley, questioned whether Hollywood’s drainage infrastructure contributes to repeated street flooding, pointing to the pipes beneath city streets.
The weekend threat puts homes, businesses and transportation in vulnerable coastal areas at risk even when floodwaters do not persist. Residents and business owners were urged to take precautions as high tides continued to threaten South Florida communities.