Charleston Braces for Major King Tides This Weekend

Categories: Breaking NewsDisastersMount Pleasant SCNews

High tides in Charleston affecting the waterfront area

News Summary

Residents of Charleston are being warned about significant tidal flooding this weekend due to major King Tides. With predicted high tides reaching up to 8.1 feet, areas around Charleston may experience flooding. Citizens are advised to be cautious, relocated vehicles to higher ground, and stay informed about road closures. The risks are further heightened by potential low-pressure systems forming off the coast, which could result in additional flooding challenges. Community members should stay vigilant and prepared for the upcoming weather.

Charleston Braces for Major King Tides This Weekend

Attention residents of Charleston! Get ready, because this weekend, our picturesque city is gearing up for some significant tidal flooding thanks to the arrival of major King Tides. If you’ve ever wondered about King Tides, they are those notoriously high tides that surpass our usual levels. Usually making their grand entrance during a full or new moon, these tides can be a spectacle to watch—but they also bring a serious risk of flooding.

What to Expect

Charleston typically sees an average high tide of about 5.5 feet, but during King Tide events, be prepared for levels that can breach 7 feet. This weekend, we’re looking at predicted tidal flooding times that you won’t want to ignore:

Saturday: 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., peaking around 7:46 a.m. with a stunning height of approximately 8.1 feet.
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., peaking at 8:39 a.m. with expected heights around 7.9 feet.

What does that mean for you? Well, flooding could start to occur as much as 1 to 2 hours before these peak times and might linger for another 1 to 2 hours after. Keep your eyes peeled, folks!

Stay Safe, Charleston!

With safety in mind, residents are strongly advised to keep an eye on flooding conditions and relocated their vehicles to higher ground. Past experience tells us which downtown streets might be affected by these high tides. Areas like Harbor View Road, Central Park Road, and Battery Island Drive have seen similar tidal heights lead to flooding in the past. Just remember, it takes only 12 inches of water to move most cars and 2 feet to carry away SUVs and trucks—so let’s not take any chances!

Road Closures and Updates

For those of you who might be out and about, you’ll want to avoid flooded roads at all costs. It’s best to follow any barricades in place for your safety. The city has worked hard to create a virtual database that will keep you informed about active road closures and warnings through its TIDE Eye site, which can be really handy during this time. If you’re curious about specific road closures due to flooding, make sure to check the city’s website for real-time updates.

Weather and Future Risks

While we don’t have rain to contend with this weekend, the strong King Tides alone come with their own risks for serious flooding, especially in those low-lying areas. Be extra cautious if winds are also blowing down from the coast, as that could exacerbate the flooding situation.

Reflecting on recent history, last year’s tidal events brought with them a slew of challenges, including Hurricane Idalia, which hit a peak tide of 9.23 feet. To add another layer of concern, there’s a low-pressure area forming off our coast that might develop into a storm system, potentially increasing several flooding risks in the days to come.

Final Thoughts

As we prepare for this weekend’s King Tides, let’s keep our community safe and informed. Stay vigilant, Charleston, and make sure you and your loved ones are ready for what’s coming. Together, we can navigate these waters and ensure a weekend that’s safe and enjoyable! Stay tuned for updates, and don’t forget to share this news with your neighbors.