Graphic: Jupiter Tide
By Jupiter Tide Staff
JUPITER — The National Weather Service in Miami has a coastal flood warning in effect for coastal Palm Beach County, including Jupiter, Juno Beach and Tequesta, until 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28.
The warning, issued at 1:20 a.m. Monday, says significant coastal flooding is expected. It warns that numerous roads may be closed and that low-lying homes, businesses and some critical infrastructure could be flooded. Some shoreline erosion is also expected.
The same weather service bulletin includes a high surf advisory, with breaking waves of 8 to 13 feet in the surf zone, and a high risk of rip currents through Wednesday evening. A separate wind advisory runs from 11 a.m. Monday to 8 p.m. Tuesday, with northeast winds of 20 to 25 mph and frequent gusts up to 40 mph.
Why it's happening
This is the fall king tide season, when the moon makes high tides higher than usual. Palm Beach County's king tide page lists Oct. 26 to 29 as days when high tides are predicted to come within 3 inches of the "action stage," the level where people should watch for flooding. The county notes that weather, including storms, can push water higher than predicted.
This week, a steady northeast wind is stacking water against the coast on top of those tides. In its Monday morning forecast discussion, the weather service said major coastal flooding is expected with each high tide cycle over the next couple of days and that flooded roadways are likely in coastal areas. Forecasters also said surf of 10 to 12 feet is possible along the Palm Beaches through at least Tuesday, easing to around 8 feet Wednesday, and that moderate coastal flooding may continue through the end of the week.
When the high tides come
Flooding is usually worst around high tide. These are NOAA's predicted high tides for the Jupiter Inlet south jetty. Predictions are based on the moon and do not include this week's wind, so actual water levels may run higher and peak at slightly different times.
Monday, Oct. 26: 9:09 a.m. and 9:14 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 27: 9:57 a.m. and 10:01 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 28: 10:46 a.m. and 10:50 p.m.
Farther up the river, near the U.S. 1 bridge, NOAA's predicted high tides run about 40 minutes later.
What forecasters are asking
Don't drive, walk or wade through flooded roads. The weather service warns not to drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.
Move cars and belongings out of low spots that flood at high tide.
Inexperienced swimmers should stay out of the water.
Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float, don't swim against the current, swim parallel to the shoreline if you can, and if you can't escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.
Secure patio furniture and other loose items before the strongest gusts.
Erosion worries
Rough surf earlier this month already took a toll north of the inlet. The Palm Beach Post reported on Oct. 2 that Jupiter Inlet Colony's beach lost more than 5 feet of sand height and that a beach access staircase was damaged, according to the town manager. This week's surf is forecast to be larger.
North of the county line, the National Weather Service in Melbourne has a separate coastal flood warning for coastal Martin County, including Jupiter Island and Hobe Sound, until 2 a.m. Thursday, with breaking waves of 7 to 11 feet.
Stay updated
Check the latest alerts at weather.gov/mfl. The Town of Jupiter posts local notices on its Alert Center at jupiter.fl.us. To get Palm Beach County emergency alerts by phone, text or email, sign up for AlertPBC: https://discover.pbc.gov/oem/Pages/Alert-PBC.aspx
Sources
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