Strong winds, a stalled weather system over New England and the full moon cycle are combining to bring King Tide conditions to the East Coast through early Wednesday, Sept. 10.
From Montauk, New York, to northern Florida, minor to moderate flooding is possible in low-lying areas during high tide. Coastal flood advisories cover more than 500 miles of shoreline from North Carolina to northern Florida.
The rip current risk has been raised to high from Long Island through the mid-Atlantic and down into northern Florida.
“Flooding of lots, parks and roads with only isolated road closures expected,” the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, Florida, wrote. “Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.”
What to expect in South Carolina
Charleston is expected to see the most significant effects along the coastline, with water spilling into low-lying areas of downtown during high tide Tuesday evening, Sept. 9, and again Wednesday morning, Sept. 10. The National Weather Service said minor to moderate flooding is possible around Charleston Harbor, where King Tide events routinely overwhelm storm drains and roadways.
Other coastal communities, including Hilton Head, Beaufort and Myrtle Beach, could also see water rise into low-lying spots during high tides. Officials are warning drivers not to attempt to move through flooded streets, which may be deeper than they appear.
Rip currents are also a concern along South Carolina beaches, where the risk remains high through Wednesday. Forecasters caution swimmers and boaters to avoid dangerous surf conditions.
What is a King Tide?
A King Tide, also known as a Perigean Spring Tide, is a naturally occurring, extra-high tide that happens when the gravitational pull of the moon and sun align during a full or new moon, and the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
These tides are higher than normal and can cause minor to moderate flooding in low-lying coastal areas, especially when combined with strong onshore winds or storm systems.
While King Tides are not caused by storms, they give a glimpse of what future high tides could look like as sea levels continue to rise.
South Carolina radar
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Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the United States as the Weather Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. She can be reached at baddison@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: What is King Tide? Coastal flooding possible in South Carolina