Charleston Prepares for King Tides: Here’s What You Need to Know
Hey Charleston! As we gear up for some big tides in the coming days, let’s talk about what King Tides really mean for our beautiful coastal city. If you’ve ever seen the water lapping just a tad too close to your favorite beach spot or noticed some streets looking a bit too soggy, then you know King Tides can be quite a nuisance!
What Are King Tides?
King Tides are basically high tides that reach those higher levels compared to what we usually experience. Typically, our average high tide here in Charleston hovers around 5.5 feet, but during a King Tide event, we can see water levels soar to 7 feet or more. Can you imagine the beach under so much water? This kind of flooding usually happens when there’s a full moon, a new moon, or even during certain seasons.
Flooding Woes
So, why should we be concerned about these tides? Well, with the elevated heights come the inevitable floods, especially in our low-lying areas. We’ve already seen some roads close down on Seabrook Island and stretches on Johns Island and parts of Charleston due to these conditions. It gets trickier when these high tides fall on rainy days or during windy weather—combining it all can lead to real flooding headaches!
Weather Watch
Speaking of rain, there’s a low-pressure system off the Southeast Coast that we’ve been keeping an eye on. Rain is on the horizon through the weekend and possibly into early next week, with totals projected to hit between two to three inches. If you haven’t already figured it out, this means we might be facing some minor to moderate coastal flooding when the tides roll in on Saturday. Plus, if that wasn’t enough, we’ve got a heightened risk for rip currents all weekend long. So, if you’re hitting the beaches, make sure to be careful!
A Spring King Tide Afloat
Next week could get a bit spunky, as the full moon and perigee are on the way, signaling the return of even higher tides. As we welcome in 2024’s predicted tide events, it’s time to prepare. You might want to check those drains near your home to ensure they’re clear of debris, so the water can flow properly. And if your ground level tends to flood, now would be the time to take precautions!
Safety First!
It’s always wise to remind ourselves about road safety during these tidal events. The folks at the South Carolina Department of Transportation have made it clear: 12 inches of water is enough to sweep away most cars, and two feet can easily carry away SUVs and trucks. So, if you encounter any barricades or flooded streets, remember the golden rule: Turn around, don’t drown! It’s just not worth the risk.
Get Involved and Stay Informed
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is running the King Tides Initiative. It’s all about documenting the effects of these extreme tide events on our beloved beaches and waterways, as well as our homes and public infrastructures. Stay informed and participate if you can!
Final Thoughts
So, Charleston friends, keep a close watch on the tides as we roll into this weekend. Be cautious if you’re out and about, and help spread the word to your neighbors. Let’s work together to enjoy our beautiful coastal community while staying prepared!
