King tides run through Thursday, then return Oct. 22. The highest, Oct. 26-29, come within 3 inches of flood stage. Tide times and what to avoid.
King tides are washing into the Lake Worth Lagoon this week, and the city of West Palm Beach says the highest of the year are still to come. The tides from Monday, Oct. 26, through Thursday, Oct. 29, are expected to come within 3 inches of the flood stage.
The city warned residents and businesses in low-lying and waterfront areas to prepare in a release on Monday, Oct. 5. It said this year’s king tides are not expected to reach moderate or major flood stage. Nuisance flooding is still possible, especially on roads near the Intracoastal Waterway.
When the king tides come
The city’s 2026 king tide forecast lists these periods for Florida’s east coast:
| Period | What the city expects |
|---|---|
| Sept. 24 to Thursday, Oct. 15 | King tides, happening now |
| Thursday, Oct. 22, to Nov. 12 | King tides |
| Monday, Oct. 26, to Thursday, Oct. 29 | Within 3 inches of flood stage |
| Nov. 22-29 | King tides |
| Tuesday, Nov. 24, to Friday, Nov. 27 | Within 3 inches of flood stage |
| Dec. 22-27 | King tides |
The Nov. 24-27 window falls over Thanksgiving week.
The tide times to watch
The high tides that matter come in the morning. These are the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s predicted high tides at the Port of West Palm Beach (station 8722588), in feet above the station’s low-water reference:
| Day | Morning high tide | Predicted height |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, Oct. 11 | 9:24 a.m. | 4 feet |
| Monday, Oct. 12 | 10:06 a.m. | 3.9 feet |
| Tuesday, Oct. 13 | 10:47 a.m. | 3.8 feet |
| Monday, Oct. 26 | 8:50 a.m. | 4.1 feet |
| Tuesday, Oct. 27 | 9:38 a.m. | 4.2 feet |
| Wednesday, Oct. 28 | 10:28 a.m. | 4.2 feet |
| Thursday, Oct. 29 | 11:20 a.m. | 4.1 feet |
NOAA’s predictions put the Oct. 27 and Oct. 28 morning tides as the highest at the port between now and the end of November. The city says the effects of a king tide can be seen from about 1.5 to 2 hours before the peak until 1.5 to 2 hours after it.
Predictions cover the tide alone. The city warns that heavy rain, a tropical system or strong wind can change both the timing and how bad the flooding gets. Flooding can also happen outside the king tide periods when a high tide lines up with rain or storm surge.
Where water can collect
The city does not name specific streets. Its forecast page says flooding can occur:
- on streets and other areas near waterways and the coast
- in low-lying parts of the city that are not on the Intracoastal
What it means for you
The city’s advice, from its king tide page:
- Do not drive through standing water. It may be deeper than it looks.
- Do not park in low spots during the morning high tides. Have a car that sat in floodwater checked and cleaned.
- Keep children out of floodwater. The city says it can hide pollutants, wildlife and broken glass. Wash skin that touches it with soap and hot water.
- Boaters should expect less clearance under fixed bridges.
- Watch the live gauge. NOAA’s Port of West Palm Beach station shows the water level as it happens.
To report king tide flooding in your neighborhood, call the city at 561-822-2185. The city hotline is 561-822-2222, and the main line is 561-822-1200 (TTY 800-955-8771).
The city says it is improving its stormwater system and monitoring it to reduce flooding. Projects are listed on its capital improvement program portal.
For storm season planning, see our hurricane preparation guide. For road closures, see road construction and closures.
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