Local News

Miami Beach Prepping For Annual Seasonal High Tides

September 17, 2014 / 1:14 PM EDT / CBS Miami

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) - New storm water pumps in Miami Beach are expected to be operational just in time for extreme high tides this fall.

The upgrade is reported to cost more than $400 million, but will improve drainage and reduce neighborhood flooding.

The annual tides are expected to be nearly three inches higher than last year.

Floods have been known to swamp South Beach, whether it's high tides or downpours. The combination of the two would be a disaster the city wants to avoid.

City commissioners voted earlier this year to consider higher tides and rising sea levels when planning projects.

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