King Tides are swallowing parts of South Florida as water pushes farther inland

K ing Tides returned to South Florida over the weekend of September 26 and 27 , creating an unusual scene across several coastal areas as saltwater pushed onto streets, avenues and walkways that normally remain dry.

In Fort Lauderdale , police closed nearly two miles of A1A because of flooding. In Miami Beach , yachts along the Intracoastal were practically level with the street, while in Hollywood , the Broadwalk was covered by several inches of water, forcing runners, cyclists and skaters to navigate around flooded areas.

But the images also raised a question that was hard to ignore: Why did the water reach so far inland?

It came down to a combination of factors. As the tide reached one of its highest levels of the year, accumulated rainfall had already put additional pressure on the ground and drainage systems.

And although things looked chaotic at times, the water did not take long to recede. By Sunday around noon, water levels began to drop as the tide changed. But this is far from the last episode: more King Tides are expected across South Florida this year .

When will the King Tides return?

King Tides will continue through the final days of September, with another period of higher tides expected between October 9 and 11 .

That does not mean every date will bring the same conditions. Rainfall amounts and the characteristics of each area can significantly change the outcome. That is why checking high-tide times and avoiding parking in flood-prone areas can be especially important during King Tide season.