Rising Water Causes Flood Of Trouble On Miami Beach
MIAMI BEACH (CBSMiami) – For a third day in row there were flooded streets in parts of Miami Beach, but there was nary a raindrop in sight.
The water came from the annual autumnal high tides which cause canals, rivers and coastlines to flood without any rain.
On Alton Road, residents and visitors alike came up with some creative ways to get around in the flooded streets and sidewalks.
One woman brought out her boots she normally wears in the snow when she visits New York.
"Thank God I have them because the tide is so high," she said.
Take a look at the flooding for yourself:
Right now, the moon is a little closer than normal and during the morning, lines up with the sun to produce a greater pull on the oceans. Because South Florida's storm water system depends on gravity to drain excess water to the ocean, these high tides can also flow back up into the drainage systems along the coast and canals, flooding streets and other areas.
This pull can be predicted as easily as the time of sun rise or moon phase. Tuesday's peak tide took place around 9:49 a.m. Wednesday was 10:39 a.m. and Thursday's will be at 11:31 a.m.
During these peak tide times, low roads are likely to flood such as West Avenue, Alton Road and Purdy Avenue on Miami Beach.
"It really hurts our business, it gives customers problems to come in because it's flooded," said Bobby Thakore of the Taste Bakery Café. "When the cars come by they splash water on them (customers) and there's a not pleasant smell when you're sitting outside."
Thakore said they've been dealing with this for the last couple of years and he knows when the water rises, he takes action.
"We're going to put bricks in place so it's easier for customers to get in the store," said Thakore.
The flood waters are not only an inconvenience for drivers, it' also not good for their vehicles.
The flood water is coming from rising sea water which is salt water and salty water can cause rust and corrosion.
