King tides are returning

The annual king tides — when high tides rise above normal levels and sometimes cause flooding — are back this week in South Florida.

The deeper tides will start Friday and continue through Monday, and can run 6 inches to a foot higher than a typical high tide in the summer. The king tides will return later in the fall, Oct. 27-31, and again on Nov. 26.

King tides occur when the full moon or new moon tides, which are stronger than other tides, coincide with the moon swinging close to Earth on its elliptical orbit. The alignment and proximity create greater gravitational pull on the ocean, thus larger tides.

The highest tides in the Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale area will be Friday morning at 8:40, Saturday morning at 9:29, Sunday around 10 and Monday at around 11.

The highest tides in Palm Beach, at the Lake Worth Pier, will be Friday morning at 8:26, Saturday morning at 9:17, Sunday at around 10 and Monday at around 11.

The National Weather Service issued a release stating that due to a combination of king tides and easterly onshore winds, minor-to-moderate coastal flooding is possible along the Atlantic coast.

Palm Beach County put out a news release giving tips about potential flooding or high water:

Do not walk through flood water if possible. This can be a health and/or safety issue. If it is necessary to walk through flooded waters, practice good hygiene and wash hands, clothes and pets as soon as possible.

Avoid driving through flood waters if possible. This can be dangerous and damage a car.

Be aware of the new tidal range, and practice safe boating when traveling under a bridge. Check the tides before leaving the dock.

Closely monitor trash cans and recycling bins, and remove them from the curb as soon as possible when they are emptied. If a property experiences flooding, consider storing containers in a secure location until the next scheduled pickup day.