King Tide rolls in bringing erosion

Storms not even close to Florida now are doing more damage to our coastline, as a seasonal rare King Tide rolls in. King Tide is a super high tide that happens only a few days a year.

From now until October 18 the tides are expected to be about 3-4 feet above normal with the King Tides. The impacts can already be seen. As the 26-mile coastline in Indian River County already suffered severe erosion, they now have the perfect sand-stealing, erosive tides to keep packing a punch this week. County leaders estimate a loss of around 350,000 cubic yards of sand from their beaches due to Matthew. Indian River County Commissioner Peter O’Bryan says that will cost taxpayers about $14 million to put the sand back out here along 26 miles of their coastline.

Vero coastline during King Tides Photo: Marta Hurta

Vero coastline during King Tides
Photo: Marta Hurta

This week they also predict the erosion will get worse before it gets better. Even with FEMA relief, they can’t restore any beaches until after turtle nesting season. And now with King Tides coming in, the erosion will keep chipping away at the coastline.

We are also experiencing the effects of Hurricane Nicole and a full moon this weekend.

Cristina Maldonado

Beach in Stuart Florida
Photo: Cristina Maldonado

At Jensen Beach, Martin County officials anticipate the water will reach the grass line on the dunes, maybe even get a bit higher towards the path that goes to the parking lot. And the ocean water will take a lot of sand back with it on the way out.

 

TreasureCoast

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  • Posted 7 years ago

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