On top rain and Hurricane Ian's storm surge, the Florida Keys will see extra seawater spilling onshore because of king tides which run through Friday.
Monroe County Chief Resilience Officer Rhonda Hagg predicts along with king tides and Ian's rain, they could see storm surge flooding. "What this equates to is two to four feet above ground level right after the storm."
She expects the Gulf of Mexico side to see the worst tomorrow, but the Florida Bay side of the Upper Keys, which was already affected by Hurricane Fiona, could be socked Thursday and Friday.
"Florida Bay gets backed up with the water. It can't get out, and so even when the low tides occur, the tidal flooding can't get necessarily get off the road," says Hagg.
She recommends Key Largo residents bring their cars to the Key Largo facility in order to park on higher ground.
The highest high tides of the year are also a concern for the mainland.
Miami Beach Chief Resilience Officer Amy Knowles says the entire stormwater system has been cleaned, and all stormwater pump stations have been inspected. "In addition to the 48 stations that are fixed, we have 10 to 12 more that some are one site and some are ready to be deployed."
Flooding can be reported over the phone at 305-673-7625 and pictures can also be sent via email at flooding@miamibeachfl.gov.
Along with its permanent pumps, Miami officials have seven portable ones for areas including Brickell, Morningside Park and Coconut Grove.
(Photo: iStockphoto)