Hurricane Idalia, which will bring a large storm surge, might impact many of Florida. Flooding might worsen if there is a “king tide.” What is it, and how does it affect people’s requests to leave their homes?
What exactly is a “king tide”?
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the phrase “king tide” is not a scientific term for very high ocean tides. When the moon is young or full, its gravitational pull on the Earth is stronger, causing the tides to increase.
According to the EPA, coastal locations experience king tides twice a year, which are the highest tides of the year and may cause considerable flooding owing to high water levels.
Hurricane Idalia is expected to land on Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday, August 30, under a full moon. According to NOAA, the tides will be higher on August 30 and subsequent full and new moon days.
According to NOAA, rising sea levels are caused by changing weather patterns and higher temperatures in late summer and early fall.
Sarasota, situated on the Gulf Coast south of where the storm is expected to land, is one of the Florida cities expected to see the highest tides on August 30.
Because of Hurricane Idalia’s approaching arrival on Thursday, the North Carolina King Tides Project anticipates a king tide for the Carolina coast on August 30.
Leave-safe zones
According to Florida’s evacuation zone system, Zone A is the most vulnerable to flooding during a storm, while Zone F is the least vulnerable.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has made a map available on its website to assist Floridians decide whether they are in an evacuation zone.
An evacuation order has been in force since Tuesday for much of the Gulf Coast from Tampa Bay northwards, from Pinellas County, which includes St. Petersburg, north and west along the coast to Gulf and Franklin counties, east of Panama City. Residents of numerous Florida counties, including Hernando County north of Tampa and Volusia County on the east coast, were asked to evacuate voluntarily as of Tuesday.
Officials in the state have classified “storm surge flooding” as the “greatest threat to life” during a cyclone. Storm surge occurs when water levels rise as a result of a storm. When paired with the predicted high tide for Idalia, this might result in catastrophic flooding in low-lying coastal areas.
Residents in evacuation zones, those in mobile homes or other unsafe buildings, and those in low-lying flood zones should all leave the area if a mandatory evacuation order is issued. Those who are not in the storm’s path should probably remain inside.
Making an Evacuation Plan
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises those who have been told to evacuate in advance of a big storm, such as Idalia, to bring their telephones, chargers, prescriptions, driver’s licenses or other forms of identification, and cash with them. All of these supplies may be packed into a portable emergency kit and carried with you wherever you go.
Before leaving your residence, the CDC recommends disconnecting any appliances and attempting to turn off the utilities.
Evacuees must follow official orders, but they should also investigate which roads have reopened and which have been destroyed by the storm.
Before you leave, look for pet-friendly lodgings or call a local shelter for advice.
Prepare your home for a storm, whether you plan to leave or not, by stocking up on food, water, and flashlights, as well as filling your gas tank or making alternate plans if you don’t have access to a car.
Board up windows and remove unsecured things from your yard to better safeguard your property.