King tides cause coastal flooding in California and South Florida
Unusually high tides are causing coastal flooding on both sides of the country, sending seawater onto roadways, stranding drivers and threatening homes in California and South Florida.
(CNN)- Unusually high tides are causing coastal flooding on both sides of the country, sending seawater onto roadways, stranding drivers and threatening homes in California and South Florida.
Parts of the San Francisco Bay Area experienced significant flooding Monday as king tides pushed water inland.
In Petaluma, residents expressed concern about flooded roads and difficult driving conditions.
“I’m terrified. No — I mean we haven’t seen it this bad,” said resident Amy Mazariegos, who worried about navigating traffic and standing water.
While residents are familiar with periodic king tide flooding, some said the severity and timing of Monday’s flooding were unexpected.
Southern California experienced similar conditions, with high tides pushing water onto streets and into residential areas. In Long Beach, resident Annie Koury described water entering her vehicle.
“I went to open the car and the water started going in the car,” Koury said.
Floodwaters also reached residents’ front doors, with at least one homeowner working to remove water that had entered her house.
Across the country, South Florida experienced widespread king tide flooding, with water covering roads, spilling over seawalls and surrounding homes and neighborhoods.High winds in some areas contributed to the flooding by pushing additional seawater inland. Residents along Hollywood Beach said they have learned to adjust their routines when the tides rise.
“I live on the beach, but there are places I go when the king tide comes in that I leave the beach,” said resident Booker Copeland.
King tides are exceptionally high tides that can cause coastal flooding even without rainfall, particularly when combined with strong winds. The flooding has disrupted travel and daily activities in affected coastal communities.
